Not allowed in households: City regulates fireworks use

CEBU, Philippines — Those planning to mark their Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations with fireworks and pyrotechnics may have to think twice before doing so, as the Cebu City Government has issued an Executive Order (EO) prescribing its regulations.

Yesterday (Monday), Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia officially announced that the EO has been in effect since December 19, 2024.

“So basically, there is a designation of the fireworks zone, which is imperative and important,” said Garcia.

He added that it will be the barangay, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the local police who will determine which areas are suited to be firecracker zones.

The EO is entitled “An Order prescribing the Rules and Regulations on the Manufacture, Sale, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices, including the Conduct of Fireworks Displays within the City of Cebu.”

Its general prohibition states that staging fireworks displays in private households, residential areas, and hospitals is strictly prohibited.

Fireworks, as defined in the EO, "shall mean a public display consisting of a combination of explosives, combustibles, and other pyrotechnic devices set off continuously and successively to generate colored lights, smoke, and noise for amusement.”

The EO mandates the acquisition of permits to stage a fireworks display, but only by natural and juridical persons who are duly authorized with a special permit secured for the purpose.

In line with this, children are also strictly prohibited from touching fireworks.

The EO further stipulates that while the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics is considered a part of Filipino custom and tradition in celebrations, its indiscriminate use may pose harm to public safety.

Accordingly, the EO adopts Republic Act No. 7183, recognizing the need to regulate and control the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, consistent with public safety, order, and national security.

Pursuant to City Ordinance Nos. 82, 222, 1962, and 2290, the EO reminds the public of the City's policy on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

For guidance, the Philippine National Police - Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) has released a list of prohibited fireworks and pyrotechnic devices to prevent accidents during the Christmas and New Year revelries.

Guidelines: what are suitable and prohibited?

As stated in the EO, no business permit to sell or distribute firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices will be issued without securing a Fire Safety Inspection Report (FSIC) from the City Fire Marshall having jurisdiction.

In addition, the City Treasurer's Office is mandated to properly inspect every business dealing with or selling fireworks and pyrotechnic devices before issuing a business permit.

The allowed firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, as screened and classified by the Philippine National Standards (Bureau of Domestic Products, Department of Trade and Industry), have been listed.

For indoor use, allowed firecrackers, fireworks, or pyrotechnics include: Cap, Smoke device, Party popper, Table bomb, Throwdown (bawang or triangulo), Non-handheld sparkler, Handheld sparkler, Cracker snap, and Serpent.

For outdoor use, allowed items include: Banger ("El Diablo" or "Labintador" or "Judas Belt"), Roman candle, Fountain, Mine, Wheel (Trompillo), Rocket, Non-handheld sparkler, Handheld sparkler, Combination Shell, and Shell-in-mortar.

However, these may only be used provided that they do not cause injury to people standing five meters away or twenty-five meters or more.

Prohibited items, which are classified as dangerous and likely to endanger life and limb, include: Atomic Big Triangulo, Atomic Bomb, Big Five Star, Big Judah's Belt, Bin Laden, Bosa, Coke in Can, Giant Whistle Bomb, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Chismosa, Goodbye Delima, Goodbye Earth, Goodbye Napoles, Goodbye Philippines, Kabasi, Kwiton, Large Bawang, Lolo Thunder, Mother Rockets, OG, Philbox, Piccol, Pillbox, and Pla-pla.

In densely populated areas, where it may be difficult to identify a firecracker zone, Garcia discouraged the use of fireworks entirely.

“Or they can go to their neighboring barangays that have a firecracker zone; I think that is the only logical solution there,” said Garcia.

Those who violate the guidelines will be apprehended by the police for disobedience.

Ready for celebrations

On the same day, an inter-agency coordination meeting was held at the Cebu City Hall Conference Room in preparation for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The meeting, led by Garcia, was attended by various agencies, including the Cebu City Police Office, headed by Police Colonel Antonietto Cañete, as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Cebu City Health, and others.

Garcia said that his marching orders included being vigilant for any untoward incidents that may arise from the celebrations.

“It’s good to be prepared ahead of time,” said Garcia. — (FREEMAN)