By Che Palicte | Philippine News Agency
As the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, the city government on Tuesday reminded Dabawenyos of the penalties for violating the firecracker ban ordinance.
In a statement, Mayor Sebastian Duterte urged residents to comply with the law to ensure their safety.
“The important thing is that you follow the law because if you get caught, you’ll get a penalty and be imprisoned. Let’s abide by the law because this is for your own good and benefit,” Duterte said.
City Ordinance 060-02 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in Davao City.
First-time offenders face a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of 20 to 30 days, or both; second-time offenders are subject to a P3,000 fine or imprisonment of one to three months, or both; and third-time offenders will be penalized with a P5,000 fine or imprisonment of three to six months, or both.
The firecracker ban is part of the city’s longstanding effort to improve public safety and reduce injuries, particularly during the holidays when firecracker-related accidents are most common.
The ordinance has been strictly enforced for years and has successfully minimized incidents of firecracker-related injuries and deaths in the city.