Police urge Davao Region firecracker sellers to get permits before holiday rush

Firecracker and pyrotechnics sellers in the Davao Region should complete their permits before the holiday season, the Regional Civil Security Unit 11 (RCSU-Davao) said, as it prepares to meet retailers and manufacturers in the coming days, according to SunStar.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Clarence Casiwen, the unit's officer-in-charge, made the appeal at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, November 11. He said the unit, which also regulates firearms, security agencies, security guards and shooting ranges, will guide stakeholders through the requirements, including rules on transporting stocks.

Casiwen acknowledged that dealers often complain about the number of requirements but said his office will help them comply. "We are here to help you," he said. The unit will inspect stalls once they are set up, and sellers with complete documents have nothing to fear, he added. He said authorities do not want to discover a lack of permits only after an incident has happened.

Asked how dealers can move stocks bound for Davao del Sur, Casiwen said the unit must respect Davao City's rules and will coordinate with local authorities and dealers on the matter.

Davao City has banned the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices since 2002 under Ordinance No. 060-02. Penalties range from a P1,000 fine or 20 days to one month in jail for a first offense to a P5,000 fine or three to six months in jail for a third offense, along with revocation of the business permit.

The Davao City Police Office reported no firecracker-related injuries or stray-bullet incidents during the last New Year celebration, crediting strict enforcement, though it said several people were apprehended for violating the ban. In January, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said he was open to revisiting the ordinance to allow regulated fireworks displays in designated areas such as the Davao City Coastal Road, but SunStar Davao reported he was not pushing for changes. A year earlier, Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III said he saw no reason to amend it.

Casiwen also reminded airsoft players that guns used in games must be registered with the unit, and organizers must secure a permit for each game. He gave no apprehension figures, saying the unit prefers to encourage compliance, but added that those regulated must also do their part.