In order to promote public safety, peace, order and security of the community of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur during Christmas and New Year celebrations, local authorities in the municipality has signed into law Municipal Ordinance No. 15 Series of 2014 totally banning the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession and use of firecrackers, other pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices causing explosion of the same or other explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Sta. Cruz, province of Davao del Sur.
It has been noticed through the years that firecrackers have become a source not only of huge fires but can also kill or harm people which is the main reason for the enactment of the said ordinance.
Violators of the ordinance will be penalized as follows:
For minor offenders who are users/possessors of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices aging 15 years old to below 18 years old shall be meted a penalty of four hours of community service for every offense committed within the barangay where the offender resides.
For adult offenders who are users/possessors of firecrackers/pyrotechnic devices; first offense is a fine of two hundred fifty pesos or imprisonment of two days, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court; second offense is a fine of five hundred pesos or imprisonment of five days, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court, and; third offense is fine of one thousand two hundred fifty pesos or imprisonment of fifteen days, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court
For adult offenders who are manufacturers/sellers; first offense is fine of five hundred pesos or imprisonment of five days or both; second offense is fine of one thousand pesos or imprisonment of ten days or both and third offense is fine of two thousand five hundred pesos or imprisonment of one month or both.
If the violation is committed by a business establishment, the President or General Manager or other person acting in behalf of either the President or General Manager shall be held liable in the case of a partnership or corporation, or the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held responsible in the case of sole proprietorship.
In addition, the business permit of the business establishment shall be cancelled by the Municipal Mayor upon the commission of the third offense.