Firecracker ban in 3 Makati barangays stays

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government yesterday reminded residents of three barangays in the city that the ban on the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics stays.

The local government had approved an ordinance banning the use of fireworks and firecrackers in Barangays Bangkal, Magallanes and Pio Del Pilar in December 2010.

Under the ordinance, violators of the firecracker ban will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 or six months in prison.

The firecrackers prohibited by the ordinance include baby rocket, bawang, small triangulo, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, watusi, Judas’ belt and skyrocket.

Banned pyrotechnic devices are sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle and butterfly.

Instead of using firecrackers and fireworks, Makati City Mayor Romulo Peña advised the residents to join the New Year’s Eve countdown at the University of Makati.

In Taguig City, Mayor Lani Cayetano has ordered security, fire and rescue personnel to be on alert during the New Year revelry.

Cayetano directed the local police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital to be ready to respond to emergencies.