Duterte orders strict implementation of regulations on firecrackers, pyrotechnics

President Duterte has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strictly implement laws regulating the use, manufacture, and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

In Memorandum Order No. 31 released Wednesday, Duterte ordered the PNP and other concerned agencies to inspect manufacturers, distributors, retailers and users of pyrotechnics to ensure they are complying with safety guidelines as prescribed by Republic Act 7183.

The PNP was also ordered to confiscate and destroy prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics, as well as those used outside community fireworks displays in violation of Duterte’s Executive Order No. 28.

Duterte also ordered to cancel or revoke the licenses and permits, and confiscate the inventory of those found violating the laws.

The President also ordered the PNP to strictly enforce the prohibition on the sale of the said products to anyone under 18 years old.

Those suspected to be minors will be required to show proof of their age.

Suspended The PNP was likewise ordered to strictly enforce the prohibition on importing finished firecrackers and fireworks and suspend the processing of new licenses and permits for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of the said products pending the review of the seller, manufacturer, or distributor’s compliance with laws.

Permits to purchase or import ingredients and permit to transport may continue to be issued unless entities are found to have violated laws and issuances.

The suspension order will remain in effect until it gets lifted by the Office of the President as recommended by the PNP Chief.

Firecracker rules In June last year, President Duterte signed EO no. 28 which provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Based on the EO, a display of fireworks qualifies as a community fireworks display if it is conducted on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than a place of residence.

Aside from the given condition, a community fireworks display will also be conducted under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the PNP.

A community fireworks display would also have to be allowed by the municipality or city concerned through a permit specifying the date and tame of the display and the specific area where it will be conducted, in conformity with national standards, rules, and regulations.

Pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers may be used outside community fireworks displays subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.