Manila City Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday, December 30, said the Manila Police District (MPD) is investigating where a minor obtained an illegal firecracker involved in a recent incident.
Domagoso said authorities are tracing the source of the prohibited item to determine accountability, particularly on the part of sellers.
“Tinutukoy ng Manila Police District. Kaya nga katulad ng panawagan ko kanina, ’wag niyo nang ilatag ’yan dahil una, mapupulis ka, sayang lang ang buhay niyo. Pangalawa eh baka managot pa ho kayo sa mataas eh. Kasi po, nabigyan na rin ng direktiba si General Abad, sapol ng men and women, uniformed personnel of the Manila Police District,” the Mayor said.
Domagoso reiterated his appeal to the public to avoid laying out or using illegal firecrackers, warning that violators face arrest and possible criminal charges.
The Mayor said enforcement efforts have been stepped up and that MPD personnel have been given clear directives to act against prohibited fireworks.
He also cautioned that those who ignore the ban not only endanger lives but also risk severe legal consequences.
“Historically, alam natin na minsan may nakakapanghinayang na buhay na napariwara ng walang kabagay-bagay. So itabi niyo na ’yan. But, you know, mahirap, mahirap po ’yung konsensya. Mahirap dalhin ’yan habang buhay,” the Mayor said.
Likewise, Domagoso stressed that parents and guardians should closely monitor children during New Year celebrations to prevent similar incidents.
The Mayor added that city hospitals and emergency responders remain on alert to address possible firecracker-related injuries.
“Ang ating mga ospital ay naka-alert. Ang ating mga doktor, kanina nga, mga about 4:00 am, I visited one hospital randomly [to inspect]. But on top of that, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the EMS of MDRRMO will be helping our city health facilities to accommodate possible victims,” Domagoso said.
