BAGUIO City on Christmas Eve. (Baguio City PIO FB)
BAGUIO CITY – Two minors were injured by firecrackers here on Dec. 21 and 22.
The Baguio City Health Services said an 11-year-old boy was injured after a Five Star firecracker exploded in his right hand in Barangay Lower Dagsian on Dec. 21.
The next day, Dec. 22, a 12-year-old boy was injured in Barangay Irisan by an undisclosed firecracker. He sustained second-degree burns on his left hand and first-degree burns on his left forearm.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong warned that barangay officials will be held accountable for anyone caught selling illegal firecrackers in their jurisdictions.
“They will explain, because they know that we have had an ordinance prohibiting the sale of illegal fireworks for a long time, so I called on them to take the lead in guarding their jurisdiction, to prevent any harm to the citizens.”
City Ordinance No. 53, Series of 2009, imposes a "complete ban at all times in the city of all types of fireworks prohibited by national law" and prohibits the sale and explosion of fireworks and firecrackers within city limits.
Any person, company, entity, or corporation violating the provisions of this ordinance shall be liable for a misdemeanor case and the following penalties: First offense, confiscation of fireworks and firecrackers and a fine of P2,000; second offense, a fine of P3,000 to P5,000 as determined by the court, and third offense, revocation of business permit and imprisonment for not more than 30 days as determined by the court.