Marikina folk, residents near NAIA told to shun firecrackers

The Marikina City government on Thursday discouraged residents from buying, selling and exploding firecrackers in greeting the New Year. GMA's Flash report quoted Marikina City Police officials as saying that people caught violating the order may spend New Year's Day in a detention cell and stay there for not less than six months up to one year. Violators also run the risk of coughing up P20,000 to P30,000 fine. Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando, however, clarified that people may still enjoy using other pyrotechnic products, such as sparklers (lucis) or Roman candles. Instead of spending money buying firecrackers, she said residents are encouraged to go to the Marikina River on New Year's Eve and marvel at the pyrotechnic display that will start illuminating the night sky at 11 p.m. Fernando, wife of Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando, said that a designated spot on the riverbanks will be reserved for fireworks to be mounted and set off. "Samahan niyo po kami sa ilog. Imbes na bumili kayo ng kani-kaniyang paputok, manuod na lang tayo ng fireworks display sa Marikina Riverbanks (Join us at the fireworks display at the Marikina Riverbank instead of buying firecrackers)," Fernando told radio dzBB. She also said that a free concert featuring live bands will also help liven up the night. For its part, the National Capital Region Police Office said it will be installing checkpoints in the entire region starting Friday to intercept possible transporters of fireworks that are classified as illegal. Also Thursday, officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have barred residents living near the airport from setting off fireworks. Angel Atutubo, MIAA assistant general manager, said that anyone is not allowed to explode firecrackers within a five-meter radius around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City. He said that village officials have already given their approval on the firecracker ban. Atutubo said that firecrackers set off near NAIA might go astray and damage lights running along the airport runway. Although there had been no recorded incidents of such nature, Atutubo said it is still better to observe proper precaution to ensure safety. He also allayed fears of a possible aerial terrorist attack during this time of the year, adding airport security men are prepared in case such disturbances happen. Atutubo had earlier warned that fireworks can either set airplane engines on fire or emit particles that can clog prop and jet engines. The warning was brought out to the public, especially since airport operations will remain busy throughout New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, handling several arriving and departing local and international flights. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV