Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has issued a crucial directive to police commanders nationwide. This order mandates coordination with local government units to establish specific, regulated markets for selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials ahead of the New Year celebrations.
Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks and Rising Injuries
The move comes as a direct response to a concerning public health report. The Department of Health has recorded at least 28 firecracker-related injuries from December 21 to 25, 2025. Authorities anticipate this number will climb as the holiday peak approaches. The primary goal of creating designated selling areas is to enhance public safety through proper regulation.
"The main purpose of this is proper regulation and public safety," Nartatez emphasized in a statement. "By designating a specific area in every town or city where people could buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials, we can easily monitor and prevent the selling of illegal firecrackers."
How the Designated Safety Zones Will Work
Police chiefs are now tasked with working alongside Local Government Units (LGUs) to pinpoint safe locations and determine appropriate timeframes for sales. These centralized zones are designed to be highly visible and secure.
A clear police presence will be maintained in these areas, with coordination from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). As an added precaution, firetrucks and emergency medical teams will be placed on standby to respond instantly to any accidents or emergencies.
Nartatez highlighted that this strategy of centralization is a key method to curb the rampant sale of dangerous, illegal firecrackers that often cause severe injuries.
Enforcement Results and a Fatal Stray Bullet
Recent police operations underscore the urgency of these measures. PNP information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño provided updated enforcement statistics. From December 16 to 26, police have arrested 23 individuals for selling illegal fireworks.
Furthermore, ten incidents of indiscriminate firing were recorded, involving ten suspects. Seven of these suspects have been apprehended, while three remain at large. Notably, four of those arrested were police personnel.
Tragically, these operations were marked by one fatality from a stray bullet. "This happened in Tondo, Manila on December 25, early morning at 12:50 a.m.," Tuaño confirmed during a press briefing. The suspect in this case has been identified but remains at large, with a hot pursuit operation currently underway.
The PNP's proactive steps, including the ocular inspection of legal firecracker samples in Bocaue, Bulacan, aim to foster public awareness. The combined strategy of promoting approved products, establishing controlled selling zones, and aggressive enforcement seeks to ensure a safer transition into the New Year for all Filipinos.
