By David Vera
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has reminded the public to avoid using 28 prohibited firecrackers as part of its campaign to ensure safe celebrations during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Police Regional Office-8 (PRO-8) on Friday released a list of banned firecrackers, citing Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. The banned items include watusi, Piccolo, Poppop, Five Star, Pla-pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, large-size Judas Belt, Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, Kwiton, and Super Lolo.
Also included in the list are Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Coke-in-Can, Pillbox, Kabasi, Special, King Kong, Tuna, and Goodbye Chismosa. The ban extends to overweight and oversized firecrackers, firecrackers with fuse burn times shorter than three seconds or longer than six seconds, and those containing phosphorous or sulfur mixed with chlorates.
The PNP advised the public to only purchase certified Philippine Standard firecrackers and fireworks from registered retailers. Firecrackers produced or sold without the necessary permits are also prohibited. Authorities recommend safe alternatives such as community fireworks displays.
Police stations across the region have been instructed to inspect fireworks vendors and stalls to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, 2,500 police officers, supported by 687 augmentation units and 854 advocacy groups, will be deployed in designated community fireworks display areas and firecracker zones.
Last year, Eastern Visayas recorded 32 cases of blast injuries during the holiday season, a significant increase from the six cases reported in 2022. The rise was attributed to the first holiday celebrations without pandemic restrictions in three years.