MANILA (UPDATED) — The chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said he wanted a total ban on firecrackers that cause injuries during New Year celebrations.

Local government units should pass ordinances that will ban firecrackers in homes and other spaces, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said on the sidelines of the "LAB for All, Christmas for All" gift-giving event of various agencies.

He also urged local government units to sponsor community viewings of fireworks displays.

"Nananawagan ako sana ang mga LGU, magpasa ng gaya ng ginawa ng Davao at Quezon City, ng firecracker ban. Ibig sabihin 'yung mga pumuputok. Kasi nakita naman natin 'yung mga daliri napuputol, i-ban na natin totally 'yun," Abalos said.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 28 banning fireworks in households or places of residence nationwide. Only community fireworks displays supervised by licensed individuals are allowed.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded the public that using fireworks in homes in Metro Manila is banned.

MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said the Metro Manila Council passed a resolution prohibiting the use of firecrackers in homes and streets.

"Meron lamang designated areas kung saan pwedeng magpaputok, community 'yan at sponsored yan ng LGUs," Artes noted.

"Again nire-remind mga kababayan lalo na sa Metro Manila bawal magpaputok kahit sa tapat ng inyong mga bahay," he added.

The official said the Bureau of Fire Protection is ready to respond in case of fire due to firecrackers this holiday season.

The Department of Health has seen a constant reduction in firecracker-related injuries due to the limited ban on firecrackers imposed by the Duterte administration.

REGULATION INSTEAD OF BAN

For the manufacturers and dealers of pyrotechnics, improvement in the regulation and monitoring of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics should be prioritized, instead of a total ban on firecrackers.

According to Lea Alapide, the president of Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers Dealers Association Inc., they fully support the government's move to lessen the injuries caused by illegal firecrackers.

"Naiintindihan naman po natin na ang pakay ng ating gobyerno ay ‘yung safety for everybody. At titingnan natin ‘yung punto de vista nila, siyempre po, kahit kami, ayaw din po namin na may nasasaktan," she told Teleradyo Serbisyo.

However, she added that it is those firecrackers and pyrotechnics manufactured by those who do not have licenses and who do not follow regulations that cause injuries.

"Kaya lang po, kung minsan, ‘yung mga nagi-ilegal, sila naman po ‘yung talagang hindi sumusunod sa mga regulasyon na dapat na sinusunod ng bawat lisensiyado na tao," Alapide said.

"So minsan po, doon po nagsisimula ‘yung mga produkto na nagsi-circulate na wala po sa prescribed size or amount ng chemical," she added.

According to Alapide, a total ban on firecrackers or pyrotechnics will kill the sector.

"Siyempre po kami, hanapbuhay po ang gusto naman, at ‘yung skills po na minana ng mga tao na nandito po sa sektor na ito ay nakakapanghinayang din po na mawala na lang po basta kung hindi mabuti pong mapag-aaralan po ito," she said.

Instead, she urged the government to implement regulations and the law more strictly to eliminate those who illegally manufacture firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

"Siyempre po kami, hanapbuhay po ang gusto naman, at ‘yung skills po na minana ng mga tao na nandito po sa sektor na ito ay nakakapanghinayang din po na mawala na lang po basta kung hindi mabuti pong mapag-aaralan po ito," Alapide said.

"Sinisikap talaga po namin na magcomply din po sa gayun wag naman po sana kaming mawala bilang sektor, kundi kami po ay nakikiusap na tugunan lang din po sana nila ‘yung aming pangangailangan. Magco-exist na lang," she added.

According to Alapide, customers can check the labels of the pyrotechnics and fireworks, as well as the license of the vendors to ensure that the products are safe.

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According to Lea Alapide, the president of Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers Dealers Association Inc., they fully support the government's move to lessen the injuries caused by illegal firecrackers.