ICPO warns public against banned firecrackers

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has warned the public against the use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Col. Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said public safety and security remain his top priorities during the holiday season.

The warning follows the release of a list of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices under Executive Order No. 28 and Republic Act No. 7183, also known as the Firecrackers Law.

RA 7183 regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to promote public safety and reduce firecracker-related injuries.

The list of banned firecrackers includes:

• Watusi
• Piccolo
• Poppop
• Five Star (Big)
• Pla-Pla
• Lolo Thunder
• Giant Bawang
• Giant Whistle Bomb
• Special Atomic Bomb
• Atomic Triangle
• Large Size Judas Belt
• Goodbye Delima
• Hello Columbia
• Goodbye Napoles
• Super Yolanda
• Mother Rockets
• King Kong
• Kwiton
• Super Lolo
• Goodbye Bading
• Goodbye Philippines
• Bin Laden
• Coke-in-Can
• Pillbox
• Tuna
• Goodbye Chismosa
• Dart Bomb
• GPH Nuclear
• Boga

Col. Legada reiterated that while the Philippine National Police continues to campaign against firecracker-related injuries, any violation of the law will be dealt with accordingly.

He said station commanders have been directed to strictly monitor compliance and ensure that firecrackers sold in markets are sourced only from licensed manufacturers, registered dealers, and authorized retailers.

“We need everyone’s cooperation to ensure safety. Let us celebrate the holidays safely and securely by using alternative noise-makers to avoid injuries and threats to personal lives and public safety,” Legada said.

Under RA 7183, individuals found violating the law may face fines ranging from PHP 20,000 to PHP 30,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

The ICPO also urged the public to buy only Philippine Standard-certified firecrackers and fireworks from legitimate sellers to prevent accidents during the holiday season.