ONLY 21 years old and up are allowed to buy/use firecrackers — BFP-Kalinga reminds public

Tabuk City, Kalinga — In accordance with Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has reminded the public that only individuals 21 years old and above are allowed to use firecrackers. The agency also emphasized that purchases should be made exclusively from authorized selling areas, further intensifying its campaign to ensure the safe and responsible use of firecrackers during the holiday season.

In a report by the BFP Central Office, the number of fires caused by firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices rose sharply nationwide this holiday season, reaching 111 incidents, up from 31 incidents in the previous year. Although Kalinga has not recorded any firecracker-related fires, 13 firecracker-related injuries were reported in the previous holiday season.

The operational plan, according to FO1 Aila Licudine of the Tabuk City Fire Station, aims to address fire and injury risks linked to fireworks, firecrackers, gatherings, and holiday decorations.

During Kapihan sa Kalinga held on December 12, 2025, at the PIA–Kalinga Building in Bulanao, Licudine reiterated that only those aged 21 and above are allowed to use fireworks, and that purchases must be made only from authorized sellers, which sell legal fireworks.

“Age 21 and up lang ang nakalagay sa Executive Order ang allowed gumamit ng paputok, and bibili tayo kung saan lang ang authorized selling area, which means ito lang ang mga legal na paputok. Huwag po tayong bibili sa mga nakakalat lang sa daan kasi baka iyan na ang mga illegal o mga walang permit na sellers,” she said.

Licudine also highlighted that firecrackers, fireworks, and pyrotechnics are not the same, and that their safety depends on proper handling and the amount of gunpowder involved.

“Same ang name pero bawal kasi nakadepende siya sa amount ng pulbora—bawal ang sobrang maliit na amount ng pulbora, bawal din ang sobrang malaki. Kapag sobrang maliit kasi, puwedeng dumikit, at kapag sobrang malaki naman, given na malaki rin ang explosion niya,” she explained.

Allowed and Prohibited Firecrackers and Fireworks

Under Executive Order No. 57, Series of 2024, firecrackers are defined as noise makers—small explosives primarily designed to produce loud sounds. These have fuses and are encased in heavy paper to contain the explosive compound. Among the allowed firecrackers are Baby Rocket, Bawang, Small Trianggulo, and Pulling of String, among others.

Fireworks, meanwhile, are manufactured products intended for pyrotechnic effects. These include Sparklers, Luces, Fountains, Jumbo (regular and special), Mabuhay, and Roman Candles, among others.

Prohibited explosives include Atomic Big, Trianggulo, Super Lolo, Giant Whistle Bomb, Goodbye Bading, Bin Laden, and Watusi, among others. Also prohibited are firecrackers containing more than 0.2 grams of explosive material or those with fuses that burn in less than three seconds.

Meanwhile, the fire officer urged the public to celebrate responsibly, warning against lighting firecrackers while intoxicated. Proper disposal of used fireworks was also emphasized to prevent accidents and fires.