Fireworks-related injuries hit 140 – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — A day before New Year’s Eve, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 140 cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI), with a majority of the victims males aged five to 14 years.

The FWRI cases were recorded from Dec. 21 to early morning of Dec. 30, data from 62 DOH sentinel hospitals showed. This is 23 percent lower than the 182 total cases logged same period last year.

The DOH said the top causes of injuries were five-star, boga, an unidentified type of fireworks, kwitis and unlabeled or imported pyrotechnics followed by pla-pla and whistle bomb.

The top three regions that recorded FWRI cases are Metro Manila with 60 cases, Western Visayas with 14 and Central Luzon with 13.

“All fireworks injuries are dirty wounds and tetanus-prone wounds. Even if that is only a minor wound, I advise all parents to bring their child to the emergency department for a booster shot for tetanus,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a press briefing yesterday.

The DOH chief also cited the importance of implementing community fireworks display as a safe way of celebrating the New Year.

“It is far from where the people are watching. You will just watch and everybody’s happy,” Herbosa said.

The DOH stressed local officials should get professionals to do the lighting and handling of fireworks.

“Children and those who have been drinking should not light fireworks,” the agency said.

Destroyed

Around 28,296 assorted illegal firecrackers worth P4.8 million were destroyed yesterday morning at the Police Regional Office IV-A in Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna.

Calabarzon police director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas led the destruction of confiscated firecrackers as part of intensified efforts to ensure a safe and orderly New Year celebration.

Aside from the destruction, Lucas said at least 12 persons such as businessmen and retailers were arrested in simultaneous operations across the region.

Also confiscated during operations in Cavite and Laguna were four boxes of dart bomb, a new and powerful firecracker that could create a huge explosion when in contact with solid rock, Col. Vicente Cabatingan, Regional Intelligence Unit-Calabarzon chief said.

In Bulacan, police led by provincial director Col. Angel Garcillano destroyed illegal fireworks such as goodbye Philippines, lolo thunder, pla-pla and 379 pieces of boga yesterday.

In the Negros Island Region, 37 FWRI were recorded as of yesterday, with Negros Occidental having the highest incidence with 23. Triangle and boga caused the most number of injuries.

In Malabon, mayor Jeannie Sandoval advised residents to watch fireworks displays from designated areas instead, such as People’s Park and Plaza Diwa. She also urged the use of torotot and other musical instruments instead of firecrackers.

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered a final sweep on illegal firecrackers nationwide in areas like Divisoria in Manila, where the items are reportedly sold openly.

He also directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to intensify monitoring of illegal firecrackers being sold online.

One-strike policy

Meanwhile, police officers who will use their firearms in celebrating New Year’s Eve today will be kicked out of the police force, Nartatez said yesterday.

He has ordered strict enforcement of the one-strike policy on police officers who will indiscriminately fire their firearms, reminding police officers to observe the highest level of discipline and professionalism in handling their service firearms. — Ed Amoroso, Emmanuel Tupas, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Ric Sapnu, Mark Ernest Villeza, Gilbert Bayoran, Roel Pareño