By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod Firecracker Vendors Association President Allan Pacheco advised against the sale of illegal firecrackers once their stalls come into operation at Pope John Paul II Tower in the reclamation area.
He added, stalls will open once their permits are processed.
Pacheco also advised members to follow the selling guidelines set by authorities.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated their policies surrounding firecrackers ahead of the holiday season, when such pyrotechnics are often used by the public.
“We adhere to the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, through Executive Order 28, which regulates the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices nationwide,” affirmed PNP officer-in-charge, Police Lt. General Archie Francisco Gamboa.
Signed in 2017, the said order cites RA 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, and authorizes the PNP to determine which firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are prohibited.
The order also mandates the establishment of community fireworks displays, which designates areas specifically for the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics./DGB, WDJ