MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Vico Sotto reported on Monday (January 4) that Pasig City was able to confiscate more than P700,000-worth of firecrackers and related items from the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Sotto added that based on their tally, only three individuals sustained firecracker-related injuries, the lowest number so far in the city’s history.

He, however, reported one stray bullet injury.

The Mayor said the Philippine National Police (PNP) believes the that the bullet may have come from somewhere in Pinagbuhatan in Pasig, Taytay or Cainta, based on its trajectory.

The victims are now confined at the Pasig City General Hospital.

In December, Metro Manila mayors agreed to impose a complete firecracker ban in welcoming the New Year.

READ: PNP confirms firecracker ban in NCR, warns violators

Despite the total ban, there are still reports of firecracker-related injuries in several areas of the region.

Given the results, Mayor Sotto suggests that the government should keep a close watch on the supply of firecrackers to minimize, if not to fully end, the risks of firecrackers to the safety and health of the people.

“Sa susunod na Bagong Taon, mas kailangan tutukan ang SUPPLY. Kung gusto talaga natin na walang firecrackers nationwide o kahit metro manila, kailangan wala ring mabibili ang mga tao. Maraming nahuli kagabi, pero ang totoo mahirap makipaghabulan,” he said.

Firecracker vendors in Divisoria Market in Manila has appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to let them sell their merchandise until the end of the year.

Amelia Fuentes, one of the vendors, said they agree to comply with the President’s directive but they are requesting for additional time.

“Next year na lang kami wala. Pero ngayon payagan niya na kasi na po kami. Nakapangutang na kami, (We will be gone next year. But for now, I hope the President allows us to sell. We already took a loan)” she said.

Jigs Laperal, another firecracker vendor, said they are already prepared to shift livelihood. However, several of the vendors lamented the announcement should have been made a month earlier.

The president on Monday (December 21) announced an agreement with Metro Manila mayors on banning the use and selling of firecrackers.

“Bakit ko payagan ang paputok maraming madisgrasya, maraming mamatay (Why would I allow firecrackers, there will be a lot of accidents and deaths)? Even it is just one child losing one finger, it’s bad enough. It should put government on notice,” he said. AAC (with reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.)

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) on Wednesday (November 13) released to the public the list of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

According to FEO acting director Rommil Mitra, they released the list to notify the public this early of the kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnics that must not be sold in the market.

Included in the list are explosives that are overweight (more than 1/3 teaspoon or more than 0.2 grams); oversized; with fuse that is either short (burns out in less than 3 seconds) or long (burns for more than 6 seconds); imported and unlabeled; and with sulphur or phosphorous mixed in chlorates.

Meanwhile, the list of banned firecrackers includes:

• piccolo
• super lolo
• atomic triangle
• large judas belt
• large bawang
• pillbox
• bosa
• goodbye Philippines
• bin laden
• mother rocket
• lolo thunder
• coke in can
• atomic bomb
• five star
• pla-pla
• giant whistle bomb
• kabasi
• watusi

On the other hand, firecrackers that should be used inside the firecracker zone are as follows:

• baby rocket
• bawang
• el diablo
• judas belt
• paper caps
• pulling of strings
• sky rocket or kwitis
• small trianggulo

Pyrotechnics that are allowed to be used outside the firecracker zone:

• butterfly
• fountain
• jumbo regular at special
• luces
• mabuhay
• roman candle
• sparklers
• trompillo
• whistle devices

The PNO-FEO reminds the public to maintain safety by refraining from buying banned or prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Mitra also warned that stores that will be caught selling the banned products will have their licenses revoked and their merchandise confiscated. (with details from Lea Ylagan) /mbmf