Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday called on local government units (LGUs) to designate firecracker zones in their respective areas to ensure public safety during the holiday season. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. made the call as he expects usage of firecrackers, which started before Christmas, to further increase in the days leading to the New Year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized that designated zones will help prevent accidents, regulate sales, and assist legitimate small businesses that comply with the law. On Monday, Nartatez and Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando led the inspection of stalls selling firecrackers in Bocaue, Bulacan, known as the country's fireworks capital, to ensure they have valid permits, proper storage facilities, and clearly labeled products.

Existing Philippine laws prohibit the sale of illegal, oversized, overweight, imported, and unlabeled firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including items such as Watusi, Poppup, Pla-pla, Piccolo, and others. Nartatez instructed all local police units to enhance intelligence gathering, conduct regular and surprise inspections of stalls, warehouses, and storage areas, and increase visibility patrols in residential communities, public markets, and online platforms where illegal firecrackers are often sold.

He warned that the PNP will not hesitate to file cases against those who violate the law and related regulations concerning the sale and manufacturing of firecrackers. Police commanders who fail to enforce firecracker rules and regulations will also be held accountable, he added.