(Updated, 2:18 p.m.) President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday signed an executive order (EO) regulating the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Executive Order No. 28 states that “the use of firecrackers shall henceforth be confined to community fireworks display” to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.

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While the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are a Filipino tradition, the said stricter national laws must be enforced to regulate their use.

“As there continues to be a substantial number of firecracker-related injuries, even casualties, recorded every year, some involving mere bystanders, the promulgation of stricter national standards, rules and regulations is warranted,” he said in the EO.

The order qualified community fireworks display as one done “on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than a place ace of residence” and “under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the PNP.”

He said fireworks display would also be allowed if the municipality or city concerned issued a permit with specific date and time; and area in which the display will be conducted, in conformity with national standards, rules and regulations.

The PNP, he said, should coordinate with the Department of Health, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Bureau of Fire Protection for the implementation of the EO.

The President said the EO should take effect immediately. IDL

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