Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday, December 30, urged residents to avoid prohibited firecrackers during New Year celebrations, warning that violators risk arrest and possible detention.
In an interview with reporters, Domagoso said there are many safe and festive ways to welcome the New Year, citing simple family traditions that do not endanger lives or property.
The Mayor stressed that the Manila Police District will intensify patrols and confiscate illegal firecrackers, adding that those caught may spend the holiday behind bars.
“Kung pupwede, iwasan po natin ’yung mga paputok na pinagbabawal. Lalo mag-iikot ho ang Manila Police District. At ’yung mga tinitignan na hindi pupwede at hindi kinikilala ng pamahalaan or pinapayagan, ay kukumpiskahin. At baka magkaroon pa ng kaso—labing-limang bagong taon, sa selda po inaabot,” he said.
The Mayor said the city government’s priority is to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and injury-free New Year for Manileños and their families.
Domagoso also warned that some offenders end up welcoming the New Year in jail, a consequence he said can easily be avoided by following the rules.
The Mayor cautioned would-be violators that Manila’s extensive CCTV network makes it only a matter of time before they are identified and apprehended.
“Doon naman sa mga individual, adventurero, eh ’wag niyo nang subukin dahil nagkalat ang CCTV sa Maynila. At malamang sa hindi, matter of time, mahuhuli din namin kayo,” Domagoso said.
Addressing these reckless individuals, the Mayor urged them to reform their behavior or take such activities elsewhere.
“Kaya sana, bagong taon na, magbagong buhay na kayo. Kung ayaw niyo naman, magbagong address kayo, ’wag sa Maynila,” he said.
Domagoso reiterated that selling or using unregistered and prohibited firecrackers is not allowed and reminded residents that watching fireworks displays is a safer alternative.
“Meron din kayong makikitang mga binebenta—what you call ‘registered,’ no, katanggap-tanggap naman sa mga alituntunin. Pero ’yun nga, muli ang panawagan ko: ’wag magbebenta ng mga bagay na hindi pinapayagan. Panood na lang ng fireworks,” he said.
