PRESIDENT Rodrdigo Duterte in his public address on Monday said he may order a total ban on firecrackers next year.
“Baka next December i-bawal ko na ang putok because it is really a dangerous thing and for reasons of public safety and health (I might ban firecrackers next December because it is really a dangerous thing and for reasons of public safety and health).”
“So, I am putting you on a warning na baka by mid-year, I will issue the necessary document banning totally — totally banning paputok kagaya sa amin (So I am putting you on a warning, I might issue necessary document totally banning fireworks by mid-year just like in our hometown,” he said, referring to Davao City where a firecracker ban is in place.
Duterte also warned policemen, military as well as civilians against firing their guns to welcome New Year.
He said he will detain them and he will ask Congress to make illegal firing of guns a “very serious offense.”
“Itong mga tao na ito may special dedication ako, hintayin lang ninyo. Basta sunod may nagpaputok ka ng baril, ewan ko kung anong gawain ko. Mag-isip pa ako nang mabuti pero basta I will — lalo na iyong pagputok ng baril. I will make it a very serious offense. Not — I’ll go to Congress and… (I have a special dedication, just wait for it. The next time you fire your gun, I don’t know what I might do. I will think about it. I will make illegal firing of guns a very serious offense. I will go to Congress and…).”
“Kung sa New Year ka magpapaputok, I will detain you until kasi the following day ano man iyan sarado walang opisina. So, papahirapan kita (If you will fire your gun this New Year I will detain you until the following day because the offices are closed. I will make it hard for you).”