- DCPO promises “no mercy” for firecracker ban violators
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) warned that it will enforce a zero-tolerance policy against anyone violating the two-decade-old firecracker and pyrotechnics ban throughout the holiday season.
Acting city director Colonel Mannan Caracas Muarip said they will arrest and charge individuals caught manufacturing, selling, distributing, possessing, or using firecrackers.
“For more than 20 years, Davao City has enjoyed a peaceful, injury-free, and safe celebration of the holidays because our people respected the Firecracker Ban. Let this serve as a strong warning: anyone who violates this ordinance will be dealt with accordingly. There will be no mercy for offenders,” Muarip stated.
Muarip underscored that City Ordinance No. 060-02 remains a cornerstone of the city’s public safety efforts, primarily aimed at preventing firecracker-related injuries, fire incidents, and air pollution.
The DCPO and other security units have already begun conducting heightened patrol operations in relation to the ordinance. The ban covers all conventional firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, as well as improvised devices such as bamboo cannons and PVC cannons using lighter fluid.
Penalties for violations
The DCPO released the specific penalties applicable under the ordinance, warning that charges will be immediate and decisive:
First-time offenders will pay a ₱1,000 fine or 20–30 days imprisonment or both, ₱3,000 or 1–3 months imprisonment or both for the second offense, and ₱5,000 fine or 3–6 months imprisonment, or both.
Muarip urged all residents to maintain the city’s tradition of disciplined and safe noise-making by utilizing harmless alternatives such as pots and pans or torotots (blow horns).
