Sta. Cruz to implement firecracker ban

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, Dec. 22 (PIA) – In order to promote public safety, peace, order and security in the community of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur during Christmas and New Year celebrations, the municipal government here has started enforcing a firecracker ban.

The local authorities in the municipality recently signed into law Municipal Ordinance No. 15 Series of 2014 that totally bans the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession and use of firecrackers, other pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices causing explosion of the same or other explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Sta. Cruz.

It has been noticed through the years that firecrackers have become a source not only of huge fires but have also killed or harmed many people. This is the main reason for the enactment of the said ordinance.

Violators of the ordinance will be penalized such as four hours of community service for every offense committed within the barangay for minor offenders aging 15 years old to below 18 years old who are users/possessors of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices.

For adult offenders who are users/possessors of firecrackers/pyrotechnic devices, the first offense is a fine of P200 or imprisonment of two days, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

The second offense is a fine of five hundred pesos or imprisonment of five days, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court, and; third offense is fine of one thousand two hundred fifty pesos or imprisonment of fifteen days, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

For adult offenders who are manufacturers/sellers, the first offense will be meted a fine of P500 or imprisonment of five days or both; the second offense is a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of ten days or both.

The third offense is a fine of P2,500 or imprisonment of one month or both.

If the violation is committed by a business establishment, the President or General Manager or other person acting on behalf of either the President or General Manager shall be held liable in the case of a partnership or corporation, or the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held responsible in the case of sole proprietorship.

In addition, the business permit of the business establishment shall be cancelled by the Municipal Mayor upon the commission of the third offense. (CDIO-Sta. Cruz/Julius R. Paner)