MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday (Dec. 26) reported 24 new cases related to fireworks, bringing the total tally of injuries to 52.
In its latest case bulletin, the DOH said the additional injuries included five cases of amputations — three minors and two adults– resulting in lost or mangled fingers and hands.
They are all males who used illegal Boga, Plapla, Five-star and Goodbye Philippines fireworks, and the legal whistle bomb.
“The 24 new cases of fireworks-related injuries, ranging from 5 to 52 years of age, involve only one female,” the DOH said.
“Twenty-two or 92 percent occurred at home or nearby streets. Twenty-one or 88 percent had active involvement, with 16 or 67 percent of the fireworks being illegal.”
The top three regions which logged the most number of cases are the National Capital Region with 20 or 38 percent of the total tally, Central Luzon with six cases or 12 percent, and Soccsksargen with five cases or 10 percent.
The DOH has also acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly its crackdown on prohibited firecrackers and indiscriminate use of firearms.
“We continue calling on our mayors and barangay captains – once again, it is time to lead. Our Centers for Health Development are operationalizing this call to action,” it said.
Crackdown
Meanwhile, the PNP said it has so far arrested eight violators due to the illegal possession, use or sale of banned firecrackers worth PHP190,390.
“Magtutuloy yung mga random inspections natin pati na sa mga malalaking markets, mga bangketa para siguraduhin na hindi tayo malulusutan ng mga prohibited firecrackers at nagbabala tayo sa mga kababayan natin na patuloy na nagbebenta ng mga illegal na paputok na mabigat ang kakaharapin niyo pong kaso sa ilalim na RA (Republic Act) 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers) and other Pyrotechnic Devices. na may pagkakakulong ng hindi bababa sa anim na,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in an interview with reporters.
In a separate interview, Lt. Arturo Garingan of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) said they are also working with the Anti-Cybercrime Group and other stakeholders in cracking down on illegal firecrackers sold online.
“Let us only buy from licensed sellers because they have gone through the proper process and they underwent a firecracker safety seminar,” he added.
Online sellers of illegal firecrackers would face charges for violation of RA 7183 and RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Source: PNA
