Archival directs barangays to set up common firecracker selling areas

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival has directed all barangays to formally submit proposed common firecracker selling areas in their communities as the city finalizes safety measures for the holiday season.

Archival confirmed that the South Road Properties (SRP) will serve as Cebu City’s primary firecracker zone, while barangays are being asked to recommend specific areas where selling may be safely allowed within their jurisdictions.

“Gi-request ang mga barangay nga mohatag sila ug request sa areas if asa ang common firecracker zone sa area nila. Mas maayo nga sila ang mo-request,” Archival said in a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 16. “Kay diri sa syudad, dense na kaayo ang mga kabalayan. Sila ang mo-request asa aron atong mabutangan.”

The mayor said an executive order (EO) will be released today to finalize the authorized selling areas and allow vendors to legally operate.

“I think I need to have that executive order aron ma-finalize. I-release na today ang EO aron makabaligya,” he said.

Archival noted that while small-scale vendors will be allowed to sell for now, safety protocols will remain in place, and consultations with disaster and safety officials are ongoing.

“Kanang mga ginagmay, wala ra na sila lisod-lisora, pero i-consult pa gihapon sa disaster aron makahatag ug direction,” he said.

He added that authorities have not yet identified areas posing immediate danger, but warned that risks typically increase closer to Christmas.

“Sa pagkakaron, wala pa gyud nakit-an nga medyo delikado. Anha pa siguro sa 23 or 24, but by that time naa na’y firm,” Archival said.

To ensure safety at the SRP firecracker zone, the city will deploy firetrucks on site.

“Sa SRP na firecracker zone, butangan gyud ug firetruck,” he said.

The mayor also clarified that some areas may still be permitted to sell firecrackers, particularly small vendors, while the city completes inspections and finalizes guidelines.

“Naay areas nga makabaligya gihapon sila. For the meantime, ang mga gagmay nga mamaligya, okay ra na sila,” he added.

Archival reiterated that barangay participation is crucial in identifying safer selling locations, given the risks posed by firecracker sales in densely populated neighborhoods. He stressed that the EO will provide clear direction on authorized zones and enforcement.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded the public of strict prohibitions on dangerous firecrackers and the penalties for violations.

Col. Rex Buyucan, chief of the Explosive Management Division of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, said at least 31 types of firecrackers remain banned.

This includes watusi, lolo thunder, boga, pla-pla, piccolo, goodbye Philippines, goodbye Delima, giant bawang, goodbye Napoles, atomic bomb, Bin Laden, super lolo, goodbye bading, super Yolanda, goodbye chismosa ,and King Kong, among others.

Buyucan said firecrackers that exceed the 0.2-gram limit, oversized firecrackers, and those with fuses that burn in less than three seconds are also prohibited. Violators may face up to one year in prison and a fine of P20,000 under Republic Act 7183.

“None has entered the market so far,” Buyucan said, referring to reports of newly named illegal firecrackers allegedly linked to personalities involved in the flood control scandal.

Environmental group BAN Toxics also renewed its call for safer celebrations, launching its annual school-based “Iwas Paputok” campaign attended by about 2,000 participants. The group urged authorities to tighten controls on online marketing of illegal firecrackers and to promote toxic-free and waste-free holiday celebrations.

“The public, especially children, should be encouraged to avoid buying and using firecrackers,” BAN Toxics advocacy and campaign officer Thony Dizon said. “As we strive for a safer celebration for the coming year, we call on the public to refrain from lighting firecrackers and to choose safer, non-polluting alternatives.”

The Department of Health earlier reported a 38-percent increase in firework-related injuries, rising from 610 cases in 2024 to 843 in 2025.

Cebu City has long designated SRP as its official firecracker zone under City Ordinance No. 2290, as amended in 2011, which bans firecracker sales in residential areas, near power lines, and substations. City officials have repeatedly stressed that limiting sales to controlled zones is essential to prevent fires and injuries during the holiday season.(TGP)