By Sam Ramos
As the holiday season approaches, the city government has reiterated its strict enforcement of the firecracker ban and warned residents about penalties for violators. In a statement on Tuesday, Mayor Sebastian Duterte reminded Dabawenyos to comply with the ordinance to ensure safety during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“The important thing is that you follow the law because if you get caught, you’ll get a penalty and be imprisoned. Let’s abide by the law because this is for your own good and benefit,” Duterte said.
City Ordinance 060-02 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in Davao City. First-time violators face a fine of PHP1,000 or imprisonment of 20 to 30 days, or both. Second-time offenders are penalized with a PHP3,000 fine or imprisonment of one to three months, or both. For third-time offenses, the penalty increases to a PHP5,000 fine or imprisonment of three to six months, or both.
The firecracker ban, in place for many years, forms part of the city’s broader public safety campaign aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities commonly associated with firecrackers during the holidays.