By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With 2020 quickly approaching, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge, Police Lt. General Archie Francisco Gamboa, said law enforcement will be “beefed up” in order to provide security for community fireworks displays and to conduct inspections of pyrotechnics manufacturers.
Firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are often used to ring in the new year.
He also cited Executive Order 28, which regulates the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices nationwide.
“The public is encouraged to support and cooperate with the security protocols of the PNP,” Gamboa said. “Any untoward incidents and crime situations should be reported to the police.”
Earlier this month, the law enforcement official reiterated policies surrounding firecrackers and also referred to the aforementioned order.
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.
In addition, the PNP provided a list of prohibited firecrackers included Piccolo, Watusi, Super Lolo, Boga, Goodbye Philippines, among others./WDJ