Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos has issued an executive order that totally bans the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of any and all kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the city in celebrating the New Year.
The prohibition is underlined in Executive Order No. 39, Series of 2020 which Mayor Abalos approved on December 28. The order coincides with the Regional Peace and Order Council – National Capital Region (RPOC-NCR) Resolution No. 19 which recommends the prohibition of the use and sale of firecrackers in Metro Manila.
In addition, Abalos considered that the city is still under general community quarantine (GCQ) due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the City Government’s top priority is to ensure the safety of the general public. Prohibiting the manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of any firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices can also help prevent mass gatherings and at the same time reduce the number of firecracker-related injuries which usually happens during New Year celebration.
The total ban of firecrackers in the city will be strictly monitored and enforced by the Mandaluyong City Police, all barangay officials, and the City Health Office. They are also authorized to confiscate and dispose of any firecrackers subject to existing laws and rules. Abalos appeals to the public to use safer, alternative ways and also follow the minimum health protocols in celebrating the coming New Year to prevent both firecracker-related injuries and the spread of COVID-19.
Jenny Herrera
December 29, 2020
