Ban of firecrackers in Cebu City mulled

A Cebu City legislator is open to the idea of banning firecrackers for the coming Christmas and New Year revelries.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor on police matters, has yet to discuss the matter with Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña but he personally considers such move ‘ideal' to ensure the community's safety during the holidays.

“Kita sa city ang ato gi-prioritize is the safe celebration of Christmas unya less cost at the same time less worry in terms of firecracker incidents,” Tumulak said.

He added that the ban will also help the Philippine National Police (PNP) focus more on safeguarding the community given the security threats at hand.

According to Tumulak, a city-wide information dissemination among stakeholders will happen prior to the reinforcement of the campaign should it pushes through.

The stakeholders include the PNP authorities, barangay officials, city government agencies as well as the public.

Tumulak noted that implementing a ban will not ensure zero injuries but he considers it as a way to regulate the firecracker-related incidents at a significantly lower number.

Records from the Regional Operations and Plans Division show that there is a decline of firecracker-related injuries with only 33 persons reported injured and three victims of stray bullets in welcoming 2017.

The plan to ban the use of firecrackers came after Tumulak announced that Cebu City government will designate firecracker zones where firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices may be displayed.

This is in compliance with Section 1 of executive order (EO) 28 recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte which stipulates that the “use of firecrackers should be confined to community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.”

These safe zones must be away from residential areas, power lines and must have sufficient power supply.

Last Tuesday, Dr. Rene Catan, head of Cebu Provincial Health Office recommended community fireworks display as he called for a province-wide ban on the use firecrackers to lessen the risk of injuries.

Among Cebu local government units (LGUs), only Mandaue City has so far announced banning of firecrackers this year.

MBG