Ahead of the New Year’s celebrations, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. urged the local government units (LGUs) to set up a common area in their respective localities for the fireworks display.

In a video released by the Office of the Press Secretary on Thursday, Marcos said LGUs should organize fireworks displays instead of allowing their constituents to use firecrackers.

He noted that firecrackers could possibly endanger the lives of people.

“Huwag na tayong magpapaputok at alam naman natin na minsan delikado ‘yan. Ngayon, maglalabas sila ng mga papaputok na hindi natin alam kung saan galing o maayos ang pagkakagawa,” Marcos underscored.

Earlier this week, Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire reported that fireworks-related injuries in the country continue to drop in recent years.

She cited that 122 cases were recorded in 2020 while 128 cases in 2021.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, is working on its “Oplan Ligtas Paputok” to ensure that firecrackers stores are complying with the existing law.