New policy allows only community fireworks displays

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) allowing only community fireworks displays effective immediately "to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.”

EO 28, signed by Duterte on June 20, states that a display of fireworks could be considered as a community fireworks, 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” and “under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the PNP (Philippine National Police).”

Fireworks display may also be allowed if the municipality or city concerned issued a permit with specific date and time; and area in which the display will be conducted, in conformity with national standards, rules and regulations.

The EO also provides that a pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers “may be used outside community fireworks subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.”

Duterte tasked the PNP to coordinate with the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Bureau of Fire Protection to enforce this new regulation.

He also mandated the PNP to include the conduct of inspections, and the confiscation and destruction of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

“As there continues to be a substantial number of firecracker-related injuries, even casualties, recorded every year, some involving mere bystanders, the promulgation of stricter national standards, rules and regulations is warranted,” Duterte stated in the EO.