Pagadian City bans use of firecrackers on New Year’s Eve revelry

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=842226&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Pagadian%20City,%20Zamboanga%20del%20Sur&andor=and&mdte_arch=12&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2015

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Dec. 30 (PNA) -– The local government is banning the use of firecrackers by residents in welcoming the New Year.

Mayor Romeo Pulmones said he ordered the local police to confiscate all firecrackers that are being sold to ensure compliance to his directive.

Pulmones said his directive is in support to the campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) against the use of firecrackers aimed to lessen if not eliminate firecracker-related injuries.

The mayor earlier directed the City Licensing Division not to issue permit to anyone to sell firecrackers.

Pulmones encouraged the public to use safe and alternative merry-making instruments such as “torotot (party horns),” car horns or by playing loud music in welcoming the New Year instead of firecrackers.

The mayor invited the public to witness the fireworks display that will be held at the city plaza on New Year’s Eve. A nightly variety show is also being held at the plaza.

The New Year’s Eve fireworks display will be held through the courtesy of the City Tourism Office and the City Tourism Council.

Meanwhile, Supt. Michael Palermo, acting local police chief, said they will inspect the public market and department stores to ensure compliance to Pulmones’ directive.

Palermo said the inspection will be conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

He said they have not recorded any firecracker-related incident as of Tuesday. (PNA)

FFC/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

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