The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau said they will intensify efforts to curb the proliferation of uncertified firecrackers ahead of the New Year celebrations.
FTEB director Gino Mallari emphasized the department’s commitment to strict law enforcement and close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure public safety.
“We make sure to have constant coordination with the PNP, especially on identifying areas where uncertified firecrackers are being sold. Safety remains a top priority,” Mallari said, noting the slight overlap in enforcement responsibilities between the DTI and the PNP in addressing firecracker violations.
Local government units (LGUs) play a crucial role in regulating firecracker sales, he said.
“Everything is very much controlled by the LGUs, particularly regarding designated spaces for selling and buying firecrackers,” he said.
He said large-scale importation may have led to the availability of uncertified products in the market.
