You can make noise as much as you can, but no firecrackers are allowed. This was the reminder given by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim as the celebration for the Christmas and New Year holidays intensify. “There are many ways to celebrate but exposing people to danger by playing firecrackers will never be tolerated,” the mayor declared. Lim said he has given strict orders to apprehend vendors who will sell pyrotechnics during the season. The mayor said deputized government workers will augment policemen in monitoring vendors who might be tempted to secretly sell firecrackers. Lim made it clear that the firecracker ban that he imposed during his first year in office will again be put in place. “I will not spare anyone who will disregard this policy,” the mayor warned.

Lim said the lessons of the past years when firecrackers endangered not only the lives of those playing with them but also those who are nearby should not be disregarded. Aside from injuries and even death for children who innocently swallow toys laced with powder, pyrotechnics have also been blamed for some major fires that hit different parts of the country in the past. The mayor said that people always find ways to make noise and this should be enough to make up for the absence of firecrackers during the season.

“Many people complain about the prevailing economic crisis but there are some who are willing to buy firecrackers that will burn their money in a few seconds,” he noted. At the same time, the mayor warned residents about the expected proliferation of criminal activities particularly snatching, break-ins, hold-ups and other thefts. “We have mobilized the entire police force to be on the lookout for arrival of criminal elements,” he said. The mayor however added that due to the shortfall in the number of policemen assigned in the city, it will be impossible for them to keep track with all the police characters that will be out to take advantage of the holiday rush. Last year, a series of high-profile hold-ups rocked Tagbilaran just as the year was ending. The mayor said warned residents especially who go out to attend the dawn masses to close the doors before leaving their homes. He also urged people to be on the lookout for pickpockets in populated areas and stores. At the same time, Lim said elderly people should not be allowed to go to banks unescorted because these are the favorite spots for swindlers.