PNP warns public on 31 banned firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday warned the public against using 31 prohibited firecrackers and reminded violators of jail time and fines under the law.

Col. Rex Buyucan, chief of the Explosive Management Division of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, said the banned firecrackers include watusi, lolo thunder, boga, pla-pla, piccolo, goodbye Philippines, goodbye Delima, giant bawang, goodbye Napoles, atomic bomb, Bin Laden, super lolo, goodbye bading, super Yolanda, goodbye chismosa and King Kong, among others.

Buyucan said overweight firecrackers exceeding 0.2 gram, oversized firecrackers and those with fuses that burn in less than three seconds are also prohibited.

He said anyone caught violating the law may face up to one year in prison under Republic Act 7183 and a fine of P20,000.

Buyucan said the PNP had not monitored the sale of newly named illegal firecrackers linked to personalities involved in the flood control scandal.

“None has entered the market so far,” he said.

Meanwhile, environmental group BAN Toxics yesterday launched its annual school-based “Iwas Paputok” campaign attended by 2,000 participants, including students, teachers, parents and community members.

The group urged the government to tighten online marketing of illegal firecrackers as well as promote a toxic-free and waste-free holiday celebrations.

BAN Toxics advocacy and campaign officer Thony Dizon asked the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry and other government agencies to initiate an “Iwas Paputok” awareness drive.

“The public, especially children, should be encouraged to avoid buying and using firecrackers,” Dizon said. “As we strive for a safer celebration for the coming year, we call on the public to refrain from lighting firecrackers and to choose safer, non-polluting alternatives.”

The DOH recorded a 38-percent increase in firework-related injuries, from 610 cases in 2024 to 843 in 2025. — Mayen Alquitran, Ramon Efren Lazaro