Peace and Order Council wants stiffer penalties, stricter rules on firecrackers
The Baguio City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong has a standing proposal for stiffer penalties and stricter rules against violators of the city’s firecracker ordinance.
The body in May this year approved Resolution No. 15 series of 2025 recommended a total ban on individual use and the increase of fines to P5,000 for violators.
The proposal seeks to update City Ordinance No. 53-2009 strengthening regulations on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in compliance with national laws and multiple Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directives.
Under the proposed amendments, any individual, personal, or household use of firecrackers will be banned in Baguio City.
Firecrackers will only be permitted during authorized community fireworks displays, subject to permits, stringent safety rules, and oversight by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and barangay officials.
Pyrotechnic devices such as sparklers and fountains may still be used, but only during sanctioned public events.
The proposal also mandates the creation of official fireworks zones—safe, open areas where permitted displays may be held. These zones will be identified by the LGU, PNP and BFP to minimize public risk.
The manufacture, sale and use of banned firecrackers—including “Super Lolo,” “Lolo Thunder,” and similar high-risk devices—will continue to be strictly prohibited, with violations subject to fines, imprisonment, or revocation of business permits.
An increase in penalties was proposed particularly for individual offenders to wit:
- 1st offense: ₱5,000 fine, written warning and a sworn undertaking not to repeat the violation
- 2nd offense: ₱5,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months
- 3rd and subsequent offenses: ₱5,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year
Businesses violating the ordinance face summary revocation of business permits and additional sanctions under existing laws.
The council emphasized that the amendments are urgently needed to meet requirements under the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which requires clearer local policies on firecrackers, designated zones, and updated safety regulations.
The move was also prompted by recurring firecracker-related injuries and property damage, strengthening calls for tighter control and safer alternatives. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
