Cebu bans fireworks in homes, hospitals; designates safe zones

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has imposed stricter regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers and fireworks during the holiday season through Executive Order No. 6, Series of 2024.

The order prohibits private households, residential areas, and hospitals from hosting fireworks displays but allows designated areas for legal purchase and use.

Fireworks displays must be conducted by authorized individuals with special permits, and sellers must comply with Philippine National Standard specifications and secure a license or business permit through the local PNP.

Barangay officials, in coordination with the PNP and Bureau of Fire Protection, were tasked with designating fireworks zones at least 100 feet away from residential areas to ensure public safety based on specific criteria including population density and availability of emergency services.

The PNP has listed 28 hazardous firecrackers that are prohibited, such as Watusi, Piccolo, Five Star (Bog), Pla-Pla, Atomic Big Triangulo, Goodbye Philippines, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, and others.