As New Year 2026 celebrations draw near, Philippine authorities are stepping up public safety efforts by reminding Filipinos about the prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices under existing laws and regulations, reinforcing that many traditional noisemakers remain banned due to high risk of injury, fire, and property damage.
Under Republic Act No. 7183 and related regulatory orders enforced by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and local government units (LGUs), the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of certain firecrackers are considered illegal and subject to penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of products.
Authorities have released comprehensive lists of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, which include but are not limited to:
- Watusi
- Piccolo
- Poppop
- Five Star
- Pla-Pla
- Lolo Thunder
- Giant Bawang
- Atomic Bomb
- Super Lolo
- Goodbye Bading
- Large-size Judas Belt
- Goodbye Philippines / Delima / Napoles
- Coke-in-Can
- Bin Laden
- Super Yolanda
- Pillbox
- Kabasi
- Boga / improvised cannons
- Kwiton / Hello Columbia / Tuna / GPH Nuclear / Goodbye Chismosa / King Kong / Dart Bomb
and any firecrackers that are oversized, overweight, imported, unlabeled, or contain excessive explosive content beyond safety standards.
These items are prohibited everywhere, whether inside or outside designated firecracker zones or community fireworks display areas identified by LGUs.
Authorities emphasize that only certified, legal firecrackers — those meeting safety specifications such as limited explosive content, proper fuse burn times, and official approval — may be sold and used during celebrations, and even then, with strict observance of safety guidelines.
In addition to national rules, cities such as Quezon City have issued localized guidelines that completely prohibit the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in private residences and restrict fireworks to public, permitted events only, with business permits required for vendors and individuals.
The intensified enforcement ahead of New Year’s Eve includes confiscation and destruction operations of illegal firecrackers conducted by police and local authorities across the country, with significant quantities of banned devices already seized.
Officials continue to urge the public to observe the law and prioritize safety, encouraging families to celebrate the New Year through approved, regulated displays or non-explosive merrymaking alternatives to prevent injuries and tragedies traditionally associated with illegal firecrackers.
