By Eva Visperas
BOLINAO, Pangasinan — Mayor Alfonso Celeste has signed an executive order banning the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the town.
The move, announced on the local government’s official Facebook page, aims to safeguard public health, prevent injuries, and reduce property damage, especially during holiday celebrations.
Celeste signed Executive Order (EO) 70 on December 20, 2024, with immediate effect. The order references Republic Act 7183, also known as the Firecracker Law, which seeks to regulate the production, sale, and use of firecrackers in the interest of public safety and cultural tradition.
The mayor’s EO also cites a memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), specifically Memorandum Circular 2017-105, which authorizes local executives to implement policies in line with national standards to ensure the safety of their constituents.
“Although firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are a traditional part of Filipino holiday celebrations, the country continues to report a high number of injuries and casualties every year,” the order states.
Firecrackers shall be subject to confiscation by the Philippine National Police and/or Bureau of Fire Protection from seller/s and or users/ violating the provisions of this Executive Order 70.
“The Barangay Council is hereby authorized to stop any activity which is not in conformity with this policy and shall immediately report and coordinate the same actions with the BFP and the PNP,” the EO added.
The ban takes effect immediately.