BAGUIO CITY — The city government continues to enforce its total firecracker ban following reports of fireworks-related injuries and the apprehension of an illegal firecracker seller during the holiday season.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged cooperation from residents, law enforcement, and parents to ensure public safety.
The Baguio City Health Services Office reported four firecracker-related injuries as of midnight on December 24, 2024.
All victims were minors, three of whom were injured by “boga,” an improvised noisemaker made from polyvinyl pipes, banned under City Ordinance No. 53-2009.
The injuries included eye damage, blast wounds to the abdomen, thigh, and firearm, and a thumb blast injury from the illegal firecracker “Five Star.”
The ordinance, which aligns with national regulations, prohibits the sale, possession, and use of firecrackers and fireworks, including those without labels, oversized devices, and imported fireworks containing fuel and oxidizing agents.
Violators face fines, confiscation of goods, and possible imprisonment.
The following firecrackers are prohibited under the city’s ordinance, in accordance with Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183:
- Watusi
- Piccolo
- Poppop
- Five Star (Big)
- Pla-Pla
- Lolo Thunder
- Giant Bawang
- Giant Whistle Bomb
- Atomic Bomb
- Atomic Triangle
- Large-size Judas Belt
- Goodbye Delima
- Hello Columbia
- Goodbye Napoles
- Super Yolanda
- Mother Rockets
- Kwiton
- Super Lolo
- Goodbye Bading
- Goodbye Philippines
- Bin Laden
- Coke-in-Can
- Pillbox
- Kabasi
- Special
- Kingkong
- Tuna
- Goodbye Chismosa
Also banned are overweight and oversized firecrackers (more than 0.2 grams or more than 1/3 teaspoon in explosive content), firecrackers with a fuse that burns in less than 3 seconds or more than 6 seconds, and firecrackers containing a mixture of phosphorous and/or sulfur with chlorates.
All unlabeled locally made products, like “boga,” are also prohibited.
On December 25, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) apprehended an online seller delivering banned firecrackers to undercover operatives.
Confiscated items included 260 pieces of “kwitis,” three boxes of “Five Star,” one “sawa” with 500 rounds, and 100 “bawang,” valued at ₱9,750.
The operation highlights efforts to curb illegal sales facilitated through social media.
Earlier, the BCPO also confiscated two “boga” devices and ten skyrockets (“kwitis”) from two minors in Camp 7 following reports of explosions.
The minors were released to their parents after a briefing on the firecracker ban.
To promote safer celebrations, the city organized a New Year’s Countdown at Melvin Jones, featuring a community fireworks display designed to reduce accidents and minimize smoke emissions.
Mayor Magalong reiterated his appeal to parents to discourage children from using hazardous devices and expressed hope for zero additional injuries during the festivities.
Source: Baguio City PIO
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