THE Philippine National Police banned the use of more than 20 firecrackers and pyrotechnics, including Watusi, Piccolo, Super Lolo, Atomic Triangle, large Judas Belt, large Bawang, Pillbox and Boga.

The PNP released on Wednesday a list of firecrackers that it considers illegal for sale, distribution and use.

Completing the list are Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, Coke-in-Can, Kwiton, Atomic Bomb, Five Star, Pla-Pla, Og, Giant Whistle bomb, Kabasi and other unlabeled and imported firecrackers.

“These types of firecrackers could be harmful to one’s health and to the environment,” Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr., PNP spokesman, said.

Cerbo appealed to the public not to patronize banned and prohibited firecrackers in a bid to reduce the number of casualties this year.

The police official also explained that under Republic Act 7183, firecrackers and other pyrotechnics that has an explosive material of more than 0.2 gram are deemed illegal and unsafe.

He warned that using banned or illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics carries a penalty of imprisonment of six months to a year, and a fine of up to P20,000.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said that the police aims to reduce the number of casualties from firecrackers. He also warned policemen not to use their firearms in welcoming the New Year.

Meanwhile, the government may end up imposing a total ban on firecrackers if the number of firecracker-related injuries continues to rise this year.