Remulla urges local governments in Philippines to enforce firecracker regulations for New Year safety

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has instructed local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines to enforce stricter regulations on firecrackers ahead of New Year celebrations. He emphasized the need for ordinances to ban or limit their use, following Executive Order No. 28-2017. Remulla urged LGUs to allow firecrackers only in community displays with permits and to educate the public on the dangers of illegal fireworks. He also called for the enforcement of waste management laws to keep public areas clean during the holidays. As of December 20, there have been 32 incidents related to pyrotechnics, resulting in five deaths and 24 injuries. The Department of Health reported 101 firework-related injuries from December 22-27.