MAYOR Sebastian Duterte reminded the public about the existing Firecracker Ban in Davao City.
During Sunday’s episode of Basta Dabawenyo Podcast, he said, “Ang importante mutuman mo’g balaod kay og madakpan mo, makabayad mo unya mapriso mo (The important thing is that you follow the law because if you get caught, you’ll get a penalty and be imprisoned),” he said.
“Tuman lang ta’g balaod, para man ni sa ato’ng kaayuhan, para man ni sa atoang tanan (Let’s abide with the law because this is for your own good, for our own benefit),” he added.
He said there are still other ways, to enjoy during the Christmas season.
“Naa ma’y mga lai’ng lingaw nga mu-celebrate ka og pasko ug New Year (There are still other ways to celebrate and have fun in Christmas and New Year),” he said.
The Firecracker Ban, known as City Ordinance 060-02, forbids the manufacturing, distribution, sale, possession, and use of pyrotechnic devices in the city.
The ordinance stipulates that first-time offenders would be punished with P1,000 or be imprisoned for 20 to 30 days, or both; second-time offenders would be fined P3,000 or be imprisoned for one to three months, or both; and third-time offenders would be fined P5,000 or be imprisoned for three to six months, or both.
The ban on firecrackers was part of the city’s effort to improve public safety and reduce injuries, particularly during the holidays and New Year’s celebrations when firecracker accidents are common.
The city has rigorously enforced this ordinance for many years, which has successfully reduced the incidence of firecracker-related deaths and injuries.