The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday urged local government units (LGUs) to designate firecracker zones to ensure public safety during the holiday season, as the use of firecrackers continues to rise ahead of New Year celebrations.

PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the call comes amid increasing concerns over firecracker-related injuries and fire incidents, noting that some people have already begun using fireworks as early as the Christmas season.

The appeal followed joint inspections conducted by the PNP and the Bulacan provincial government in Bocaue, Bulacan—known as the country’s fireworks capital—on 22 December.

Nartatez said the PNP is strictly enforcing safety standards set by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), requiring all firecracker vendors to secure valid permits, ensure proper storage facilities, and sell only clearly labeled products. He stressed that the sale of illegal, oversized, overweight, imported, and unlabeled firecrackers remains prohibited.

“We are calling on all local government units to designate firecracker zones or fireworks areas where the sale and use of firecrackers are safe and properly regulated,” Nartatez said.

He added that designated firecracker zones help prevent accidents, regulate sales, and support legitimate small businesses that comply with the law.

The PNP reiterated that several firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are banned, including Watusi, Piccolo, Five Star, Giant Bawang, Judas Belt (large size), Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Lolo Thunder, Atomic Bomb, Boga, and other prohibited items listed under existing regulations.

Nartatez also directed all local police units to intensify intelligence gathering, conduct regular and surprise inspections of stalls, warehouses, and storage areas, and increase visibility patrols in residential areas, public markets, and online platforms where illegal firecrackers are often sold.

The PNP chief likewise warned that violators of Republic Act No. 7183, or the Firecracker Law, and related regulations will face criminal charges. He said police commanders who fail to enforce the law will be held accountable.

“We will not hesitate to file charges against those who violate the law,” Nartatez said, stressing that enforcement has been in place since the start of the Christmas season.

The PNP renewed its appeal to the public, particularly the youth, to refrain from using illegal firecrackers and instead opt for safer alternatives in welcoming the New Year.

Nartatez emphasized that ensuring safe Christmas and New Year celebrations is a shared responsibility, assuring the public that the PNP will exhaust all measures to curb the proliferation of illegal firecrackers and maintain police visibility nationwide.