The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) has officially announced which firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited and which are permitted for the upcoming New Year 2025 celebrations in Central Luzon. This advisory is a key component of the regional police's ongoing Ligtas Paskuhan Campaign, aimed at ensuring public safety during the holiday season.
Strict Prohibitions on Dangerous Firecrackers
Brigadier General Rogelio Peñones, the director of PRO-3, emphasized that the sale, distribution, and use of banned firecrackers are illegal under national laws and Philippine National Police (PNP) regulations. The comprehensive list of prohibited items includes numerous popular but hazardous names.
The banned firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are:
- Watusi, Piccolo, Poppop, Five Star (Big), Pla-Pla
- Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb
- Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, Large-size Judas Belt
- Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda
- Mother Rockets, Kwiton, Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden
- Coke-in-Can, Pillbox, and Kabasi
Furthermore, the ban extends to oversized or overweight firecrackers, all imported finished fireworks, and unlabeled locally made products. Devices with unsafe fuse burn times, polyvinyl pipe or "boga" devices, and those containing hazardous chemical mixtures are also not allowed. The manufacture, sale, transport, or distribution of any firecrackers without the necessary permits is strictly prohibited.
Permitted Items and Safety Conditions
For those planning to celebrate, PRO-3 has also released a list of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices that are allowed, provided they meet specific safety conditions.
The allowed firecrackers include:
- Baby Rocket, Bawang, El Diablo
- Judas Belt (small triangulo), Paper Caps, Pulling of Strings
- Sky Rocket (Kwitis), and Small Triangulo
Permitted pyrotechnic devices or "pailaw" include:
- Butterfly, Fountain, Jumbo (regular and special), Luces
- Mabuhay, Roman Candle, Sparklers, Trompillo, and Whistle Device
However, these items are only legal if they are locally manufactured, carry proper labels, are not oversized or overweight, and are sold exclusively in government-authorized firecracker zones. Similar items that meet all safety standards and permit requirements are also allowed.
Penalties and Public Advisory
Brig. Gen. Peñones issued a stern warning against violations. Selling permitted items outside designated zones or dealing in illegal firecrackers will result in penalties. These can include the immediate confiscation of all stock, the imposition of significant fines, and the possibility of facing criminal charges.
The PRO-3 strongly advises the public to purchase fireworks only from authorized and licensed vendors operating within the official zones. To report any violations, suspicious sales, or unsafe practices, citizens are urged to contact their nearest police station or use the nationwide emergency 911 hotline.
This proactive measure by the Central Luzon police aims to minimize injuries, prevent fires, and ensure that the New Year's revelry remains a joyful and safe occasion for all residents in the region.
