The Firecracker Ban in the Philippines: What You Need To Know

Using firecrackers has been a tradition that Filipinos practice during the New Year. Sometimes, it is even used during personal, religious, cultural, and national events. However, these displays come with huge numbers of firecracker-related injuries as well. Every year, the Department of Health (DOH) warns the public to avoid using explosives when celebrating the New Year to avoid suffering from firecracker-related injuries and casualties.

This 2017, DOH recorded a total of 630 fireworks-related injuries with zero casualties. The number is 32% lower than last year’s and even lower than in 2008 when there was a reported record low of 720 cases.

Usually, the most prominent culprits in these injuries are prohibited firecrackers such as piccolo and five-star, which caused about 192 injuries and 32 wounds, respectively. Unfortunately, the firecrackers not only affect the user itself, but also innocent bystanders. Most of the victims are males, with the age group ranging from children, teenagers, and adults.

In an effort to make the record even lower, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 28 which is entitled “Providing For The Regulation And Control Of The Use Of Firecrackers And Other Pyrotechnic Devices.” The order aims to limit and promulgate stricter use of firecrackers in the country.

Signed last June 20, the EO primarily curbs the use of firecrackers and limits it to community fireworks displays. The EO also prioritizes the usage, regulation, and control of pyrotechnic devices and firecrackers in terms of manufacturing, distribution, sale, and use.

The Philippine National Police (PNP,) Department of Interior Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and DOH were consulted regarding the implemented rules and regulations of the EO. These departments were also tasked to author rules and regulations of the EO as well as to conduct information campaigns on the danger of using firecrackers.

According to the EO, firecrackers are not allowed in places of residence. However, community fireworks displays are allowed in malls, fiestas, events, parks, and exhibitions but they must be conducted by a trained person who is also licensed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The community fireworks display should also come with a permit from the municipality or city that shows the specific time and date of the display, along with the specific area where it will be held as conformity to the standard, rules, and regulations.

Pyrotechnic items other than firecrackers may be used beyond community displays as long as they are subject to the laws, rules, and regulations.

Meanwhile, PNP was tasked to create a list of prohibited firecrackers that Filipinos must avoid. The main standard for acceptable firecrackers is that they should not exceed two grams or 1.3 teaspoon of gunpowder content.

Super Lolo, Goodbye Earth, Atomic Big Triangulo, Piccolo, Whistlebomb, and Judas Belt are few of the firecrackers that are prohibited. These are often imported from other countries. Watusi, which contains hazardous chemicals, is also not allowed.

According to Acting Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) Director PS/Supt. Rhodel Sarmonia, individuals who will violate the EO shall be arrested. As of signing, there is no imposed fine for those who will disobey the laws.

Before the EO was signed, there were already several areas in the country such as Quezon City, which penalized those who will use any pyrotechnic devices and firecrackers in public without any city permit. Violators would have to pay a fine of PhP5,000 or face a year of imprisonment or both depending on the court’s discretion.

Other areas in the country that have practiced the firecracker ban are Davao City, Muntinlupa City, Kidapawan City, Zamboanga City, Olongapo City, and Baguio City. Davao City already celebrated the 16th year of a firecracker-free New Year celebration earlier this January. Duterte implemented the city’s firecracker ban during his term as a mayor.

In addition to the cities mentioned, three barangays in Makati City also implement the firecracker ban. These barangays are Bangkal, Magallanes, and Pio Del Pilar.

Besides the health risks made by the firecrackers, the chemicals included in it are also hazardous to the environment. The debris of the wrappers and gunpowder are also hard to clean off after using.

Using firecrackers has been a tradition that Filipinos adapted from the Chinese, believing that the noise that firecrackers make drives bad spirits away. Alternative noise-making items that Filipino can use are plastic trumpets, pots, pans, electric firecrackers, and loud music. Some venues like hotels even host outdoor concerts and parties for a loud New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Republic Act No. 7183 or An Act Regulating The Sale, Manufacture, Distribution And Use Of Firecrackers And Other Pyrotechnic Devices is a related law. However, it focuses more on those who are on the distributing end of the firecrackers such as manufacturers and sellers.