Over 2T cops deployed in Central Visayas during New Year’s Eve

CEBU, Philippines — More than 2,000 police were deployed in Central Visayas to ensure the safety and security of the New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Police Regional Office-7 said the deployed personnel were tasked monitor the use of firecrackers.

The police personnel have also monitored if the public had stringently observed the firecracker-related regulations and ordinances.

PRO-7 director, Police Brigadier General Jerry Fornaleza Bearis, said they earlier have warned the public to only use the allowed firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices referred under the 2012 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Republic Act 7183.

The law governs the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

As the law stated, allowed firecrackers are baby rocket, bawang, small triangulo, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, watusi, small Judah’s belt, and sky rocket, among others.

Mabuhay, roman candle, trompillo, whistle device, butterfly, fountain, jumbo regular, luces, and sparkles were among the pyrotechnic devices that were permitted.

Local government units in the region had designated their respective firecracker display areas where people could buy the permitted firecracker that passed standards under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

They warned of arrest and confiscation of items, even revocation of a business permit to those erring vendors who would continue to sell firecrackers outside the designated areas.

Bearis earlier reminded the public to prioritize safety and be responsible for their actions amid left and right year-end parties.

“As COVID (coronavirus diseases) restrictions started to lift up this year, I know we are all excited to bring our suppressed tradition back to life by lighting up firecrackers which symbolize the start of a safe and prosperous new year. However, lagi po naming pinapaalala sa publiko na huwag po nating abusuhin ang batas. Let us still be responsible and cautious for the safety of our families and loved ones,” Bearis said.

He also reminded all gun owners to take full responsibility and avoid indiscriminate use of firearms; otherwise, immediate sanctions will be served. — GMR (FREEMAN)