The Paranaque City government has banned the sale and use of firecrackers in the city this holiday season.
Mayor Edwin Olivarez on Wednesday tapped the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to immediately revoke the business registration of stores found selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
In signing Executive Order 2020-63, Olivarez also revoked and cancelled all mayor’s and special permits issued this year to establishments who applied to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices and similar products in the city.
Olivarez, who is the chairman of the Metro Manila – Peace and Order Council, disclosed that it was agreed during last week’s meeting by mayors in the National Capital Region that the use of firecrackers is ban in the metropolis this year.
The resolution is in consonance with the Department of Interior and Local Government memorandum circulars providing the guidelines on the regulation and control of the use of the firecrackers, including the designation of specific areas for community fireworks display.
“In order to sternly discourage mass gathering during the festive season to contain the spread of COVID-19, there is the need to prohibit exhibition and use fireworks, firecrackers, and other pyrotechnic devices during the New Year’s celebration,” according to Olivarez.
The city chief executive said the BPLO, the city treasurer’s office, barangay officials, and local police officials should immediately affect the provisions of his Order.
Olivarez directed Paranaque Police chief P/Col. Robin King Sarmiento to follow the recommendation of the BPLO on the closure and penalties of the store or establishment found violating his directives.
He also reminded his constituents hat holding community fireworks display amid the pandemic is dangerous because it encourages mass gathering which is prohibited during the community quarantine period.