
Manila Honey Lacuna-Pangan has discouraged the use of firecrackers to usher in the New Year on Dec. 31.
"Public safety remains our foremost concern. I am appealing to all barangay authorities to convince their constituents to resort to safer ways of welcoming the New Year like using pots and pans or the traditional party horns," she said.
She stressed that a few moments of enjoyment are are not worth it if one is to sustain injuries that would adversely affect their lives forever.
Lacuna-Pangan cited reports from the Department of Health (DOH) which showed an increase in the number of fireworks-related injuries way ahead of the New Year celebration, including cases that necessitated hand amputations.
To date, the local chief executive said that injuries related to fireworks have gone up to over 50 cases already, with Metro Manila having the most number of casualties.
She said the New Year celebration may better be held without the use of exploding firecrackers.
She also appealed to residents not to use fireworks by themselves to protect themselves and others from sustaining any injuries.
The mayor urged barangay leaders to designate a common fireworks display zone where the residents may watch altogether in a safe and controlled environment.
Meanwhile, members of the Manila Police District (MPD) continue to conduct monitoring operations to ensure that no illegal firecrackers are being sold in Manila's markets.