Kidapawan City mulls ban on firecrackers

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines -- The city government is keen on banning the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the New Year’s Day revelry by local residents.

“And that ban should apply for the whole duration of the Yuletide Season,” Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista told reporters.
 
Evangelista, chairman of the city peace and order council, said the ban is aimed at preventing accidents caused by firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

“My purpose is to protect lives and properties,” he said.

Evangelista had earlier announced that he is now working on the amendment of a local ordinance that would selectively outlaw the sale of powerful firecrackers highly combustible pyrotechnics in the city into a more comprehensive ban to ensure public safety.

He said the city government was inspired by the examples of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who has personally led the enforcement of the ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics in all of the barangays under his jurisdiction for about a decade now. 

“I will not issue business permits to applicants that intend to engage in the sale of these dangerous merchandise,” Evangelista said.