The Muntinlupa City government warned traders Saturday not to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices that are prohibited by law.

The call was made as the city government launched a campaign to warn residents, especially kids, against using dangerous firecrackers to celebrate the coming New Year.

These firecrackers including “sawa,” “super lolo,” “watusi “and other similar devices that can cause severe injuries and even death, said Mayor Aldrin San Pedro.

“Every year, we see young people getting injured from firecrackers,” he said.

The city government has launched the “Huwag Magpaputok” campaign to urge residents to welcome the New Year safely.

According to Republic Act 7183, which covers the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, the only allowed firecrackers include baby rocket, “bawang,” “Diablo” and “Judah’s belt.”

The mayor said families can celebrate the New Year without using firecrackers.

“We can all welcome the New Year through other means,” he said.

He said prohibited firecrackers are very dangerous and can cause severe injuries and even kill persons.

“We will confiscate them,” he said, adding that traders should not sell any firecracker to minors.

Dr. Edilinda Patac, city health officer, said the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa and the City Health Office Extension Clinic are ready to admit those who will be injured by firecrackers.

Retailers are required to get police clearance and local permits in order to sell firecrackers.

Yearly, the police inspect firecracker stores in Muntinlupa to see if they have the necessary permits from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the city government, which are required under the law. Last year, the PNP-Muntinlupa confiscated a sizeable volume of prohibited firecrackers from sellers.

About 800 Filipinos were treated for firecracker-related injuries last January, according to the Department of Health (DoH). No data was available on how many of these happened in Muntinlupa.

According to the DoH, the top five firecrackers that caused the most number of injuries in 2008 were piccolo, kwitis, 5-star, luces and home-made firecrackers.