NPDO Chief Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. said he recently met with the four local chief executives namely, Mayors Bobbit Carlos (Valenzuela City), Rey Malonzo (Caloocan City), Toby Tiangco (Navotas) and Amado Vicencio (Malabon City) to ensure the project’s success.
"The good thing here is that the local chief executives have been very supportive of the plan," Franco said.
However, he explained that firecracker-zones would be more effective if local legislators pass respective measures to legitimize the campaign.
"An ordinance will also create for authorities, particularly the police, a firm and legal basis in successfully implementing the plan," Franco said. He added that the new practice could reshape the Filipino tradition in welcoming the New Year.
Carlos and Tiangco, in separate interviews, said they agreed with Franco’s proposal, but said their respective councils lacked the time to discuss and pass a measure for the purpose.
In the absence of an ordinance, Tiangco and Carlos said they have issued directives for barangay chairmen to designate firecracker zones in their respective areas.
The local government officials said they do not see much support from the people this year in terms of keeping fireworks to a designated area, but nevertheless hope to begin now so they would get used to it in the future. They said they would ask their respective councils to come up with an ordinance next year.
Caloocan police intelligence and investigation division chief Superintendent Dionicio Borromeo said the firecracker zones will be met with resistance from avid revelers, but stressed the campaign needs political will to instill in the minds of the people the importance and the good intention of the practice.
For his part, Chief Inspector Agapito Nacario, Caloocan fire marshal, said the proposed firecracker zones would contribute to zero-fire incidents because the designated areas, where the revelers can enjoy the pyrotechnics, must itself be free from fire hazards. – Jerry Botial