Phil. Daily Inquirer, December 28, 2006
PEOPLE caught burning tires and other flammable materials in Manila to welcome the New Year would be thrown in jail, according to Mayor Lito Atienza.
Atienza ordered village and police officials Thursday to strictly enforce the ban and arrest anybody who would burn tires on the streets, calling it "a very dangerous practice."
"The noxious fumes caused by burning tires pose a health and safety hazard to both people and environment and could cause fires and accidents," he said.
The mayor urged city residents to just use whistles and horns to welcome the new year.
Aside from being dangerous, exploding firecrackers would be an expensive way to celebrate New Year, the mayor said. "We would be better off just spending money on food that the whole family could partake of," he suggested.
Atienza also directed city firefighters to be on the lookout for fires that could be triggered by firecracker blasts or burning debris on the streets.
Manila had not designated "firecracker zones" but the city government would do its share to keep the number of victims of New Year's Eve revelry low by coming up with fireworks displays and street party to greet the coming year, Atienza added.
City Administrator Gaudencio Nable said they had scheduled a pyrotechnics display at Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard for the New Year following a street party and variety show.
Nable said this year's fireworks display would be grander compared to the past years.
"The fireworks will be placed on three barges along Manila Bay, unlike last year when we used only one (barge)," he said. "It's density will be three times greater than what we had in the past."
The fireworks spectacle would last for about 10 minutes, Nable said, adding that the city government had spent almost P1.5 million for it.
"(Watching it) is cheaper and safer for families," he said. "It's going to be one huge celebration."
