MALABON City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval on Tuesday urged residents to shun firecrackers and celebrate a safe New Year. ”As we welcome 2026, we remind our people that the safety, order and security of every family remain our top priority, and we encourage everyone to avoid firecrackers and anything that may cause accidents,” Sandoval said. She encouraged residents to use safer noise-making alternatives on New Year’s Eve, such as horns and musical instruments. The city government said it would strictly implement City Ordinance 11-2015, which prohibits minors from selling, possessing or using firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. Under the ordinance, violators may face fines ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 or imprisonment of up to 30 days, depending on the degree of the violation. Meanwhile, the Malabon City Police Station emphasized the enforcement of City Ordinance 11-2020, which imposes a total ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers throughout the city. Authorities reminded the public that fireworks displays may only be viewed from designated areas, including People’s Park in Barangay Catmon and Plaza Diwa in Barangay Tugatog. City records showed that 40 firecracker-related injuries were treated during the previous New Year celebration, with most victims being bystanders and the incidents occurring on public roads.