Zamboanga City police told to enforce citywide firecracker ban

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Zamboanga City government directed police here to enforce a ban on fireworks and told them to apprehend even minors to guard against firecracker-related injuries,

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar tasked Senior Superintendent Thomas Joseph Martir, city police chief, to ensure the strict enforcement of the city's anti-firecracker ordinance which was approved four years ago.

Salazar directed the police to thoroughly review the law and ensure that cases, even those involving minors are recorded in the police blotter.

"This is to send a very important message and to prevent other incidents," Salazar said.

Salazar said even institutional fireworks displays by shopping malls and other businesses will not be allowed.

She stressed that Ordinance 431, also known as the Firecracker Ban Ordinance of 2014, prohibits the use, sale, possession, distribution, storage, and manufacture of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices by any business establishments in the territorial jurisdiction of Zamboanga City.

"As mayor, I will not allow that to happen under my watch," she said.

She said that despite the ban, police have reporter two firecracker incidents, both involving minors, in the city.

Salazar appealed to parents and guardians to keep their children from using firecrakers during the traditional New Year revelry.