Despite the repeated warnings and aggressive actions for a safe New Year revelry, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded four fatalities and at least 520 people injured due to firecracker-related incidents and indiscriminate firing across the country.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the figures were based on the reports they collated in various regions since Dec. 16, or the start of the PNP’s Ligtas Paskuhan campaign that includes an information drive to discourage Filipinos from using firecrackers and firing their guns.
The PNP data are as of 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1.
Fajardo said two of the fatalities died as a result of a fire in a residential area due to the use of firecrackers, another one died as a result of the use of firecrackers while the fourth fatality was due to indiscriminate firing.
In a separate report from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the fire that was reported by the PNP appeared to have occurred in the eastern part of Metro Manila wherein two people were reported to have died while five others were injured.
Based on the PNP data, a total of 509 people were injured due to the use of firecrackers, nine others were injured in fire, one person suffered injury due to illegal discharge of firearms and another one was injured after being hit by a stray bullet.
In Metro Manila which is part of the PNP report, NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said a total of 41 people were injured due to firecrackers and two more suffered injuries due to illegal discharge of firearms.
Aggressive drive
Since Dec. 16, the PNP has started conducting operations to discourage people from using prohibited firecrackers which are usually the reason behind the high number of casualties during New Year revelry.
Aside from an information drive in coordination with the Department of Health and local government units, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. earlier ordered police commanders to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of both Christmas and New Year.
As a result, around P3.7 million worth of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials were confiscated.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos also urged LGUs to pass an ordinance that would ban the use of prohibited firecrackers in their respective areas.
Both Abalos and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also asked LGus to designate a firecracker zone instead to monitor and manage the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials.
The calls and aggressive government actions appeared to have fallen on deaf ears for those responsible behind the New Year revelry casualties.
Still peaceful
Based on the report of the Department of Health in last year’s Holiday season, a total of 262 persons were injured as a result of the use of firecrackers.
The PNP, however, is yet to issue official comparative data on firecracker and stray bullet injuries.
Despite the casualties reported, Fajardo said the Christmas and New Year celebrations are generally peaceful.