Camp Olivas, Pampanga—Authorities in Central Luzon have designated 898 firecracker and fireworks zones in the region for the safety of the people and protection of the environment.
Chief Supt. Joel Napoleon Colonel, regional director of the Police Regional Office 3 in Central Luzon, said Bulacan has 351 firecracker zones, followed by Bataan, 195; Zambales, 165; Nueva Ecija, 93; Pampanga, 30; Tarlac, 29; Aurora, 23 and Angeles City, 14.
Colonel said this was in compliance to the directive of Philippine National Police Director General Oscar D. Albayalde, who ordered all his regional directors to coordinate with local government units to identify their respective communities’ exhibition areas.
Albayalde personally conducted a final inspection of all firecrackers and fireworks factories and stores, stall and warehouses in Central Luzon, a few days before the nation celebrates the coming New Year.
Accompanied by his general staff, colonels, and provincial directors, Albayalde said the inspection aims to determine if the producers, manufacturers, and traders comply with the provisions of Republic Act. 7183, Especially along the highways of Bocaue in Bulacan and Pampanga where fireworks are sold.
The final inspection was not only to determine the final compliance to the law, but also to seal the remaining loopholes in the police campaign against illegal use and production of pyrotechnics in the country, Albayalde said.
“If necessary, all firecrackers and fireworks must only be set off at the designated areas as provided for under Executive Order 28 released June 20,2017,” the PNP chief said.
Albayalde believes Filipinos generally enjoy firecrackers and fireworks but reminded them not use the 22 prohibited items for their safety and environmental protection, namely: Piccolo, Watusi, Giant Whistle Bomb, Giant Bawang, Large Judas Belt, Super Lolo, Thunder Lolo, Atomicbimbs, Atomic Large Triangle, Pillbox, Boga, Kwiton, Goodbye Earth, Goodbye Bading, Hello Columbia, Coke in Can, Kabasi, and other dangerous devices.