In the city of Muntinlupa, all kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited, and the city government encourages locals to report offenders to authorities, officials stressed Tuesday.
Through City Ordinance 14-092, it is unlawful to manufacture, sell, and use firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices within Muntinlupa.
Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the ordinance was passed to protect the health of the people and the environment from the harmful effects of firecrackers.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi invites Muntinlupeños to celebrate the New Year by using alternative noise-making equipment and not resorting to firecrackers.
The local government aims to lower incidents of firecracker-related injuries this season, Navarro added. From December to January last year, the City Health Office recorded 13 cases of injuries incurred from firecrackers such as Piccolo (six incidents), Kwitis (two), Five Star (one), Pla Pla (one), and unknown pyrotechnic devices (three).
The Ospital ng Muntinlupa and other local hospitals are already prepared to receive firecracker-related cases, she added.
The Bureau of Fire Protection, Business Permits and Licensing Office, Public Order and Safety Office, and their barangay counterparts have been inspecting markets and sidewalk vendors across the city.
Locals are encouraged to report illegal distribution and use of firecrackers to authorities through the hotline numbers (02) 887-0527 and (0917) 536 8493.
Violating the firecracker ordinance carries penalties as follows: First Offense nets a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one month, second offense has a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months, and third offense carries a fine of P5,000 or six months in jail.
Apprehended establishments will have their permits and licenses revoked apart from the penalties provided in the ordinance, Navarro said.
However, commercial establishments and barangays can conduct or sponsor community fireworks displays in a designated area approved by authorities for the benefit of city residents, she added.