The Philippine National Police (PNP) is urging the establishment of centralized markets for the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials in every town and city as part of heightened safety measures ahead of New Year celebrations.

PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed all police chiefs nationwide to closely coordinate with local government units to identify and establish designated areas where firecrackers may be legally sold.

The directive followed data from the Department of Health, which showed at least 28 firecracker-related injuries recorded from 21 to 25 December, a figure expected to rise as New Year’s Eve approaches.

According to Nartatez, concentrating the sale of firecrackers in specific, controlled locations will allow authorities to better regulate vendors, prevent the sale of illegal items, and reduce risks to the public.

“The main purpose of this is proper regulation and public safety. By designating a specific area in every town or city where people could buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials, we can easily monitor and prevent the selling of illegal firecrackers,” he said.

Under the plan, police chiefs will work with local government units to determine safe locations for the centralized markets and set the appropriate period for firecracker sales.

These designated areas will have a visible police presence, with support from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Firetrucks and emergency responders will also be placed on standby to immediately address any untoward incidents.

Nartatez emphasized that the centralized setup would help curb the proliferation of illegal firecrackers, noting that authorities can more easily inspect both vendors and products.

“Centralized selling areas allow us to strictly inspect vendors and products. It will be easier to determine which firecrackers are legal and which are illegal.

Once a firecracker zone is designated, any sale outside that area will be considered unauthorized,” he said, adding that selling firecrackers outside approved zones will be prohibited.

The PNP chief also urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow safety guidelines, and patronize only authorized vendors to help ensure a peaceful and injury-free New Year celebration.

Earlier, Nartatez reiterated his call for local government units to immediately set up designated firecracker zones amid the increasing use of firecrackers during the holiday season.