REYES
CAMP FLORENDO, La Union – The Police Regional Office-1 warned police officers in the Ilocos region against indiscriminate firing to welcome the New Year.
PRO-1 Director Police Brig. Gen. Dindo R. Reyes said violators will be dealt with firmly and will carry the highest level of accountability.
“Our priority is the safety and security of every citizen in the region,” Reyes said. “There are no excuses for the irresponsible use of firearms. We want the holidays to be celebrated with joy, not marred by tragedy caused by stray bullets.”
Reyes directed all unit commanders to exercise heightened vigilance and closely monitor the conduct of their personnel. He reiterated that the use of service firearms is strictly limited to official duties and the protection of the public.
Firecracker injuries
Meanwhile, firecracker-related injuries in Region 2 or the Cagayan Valley region have climbed to 18 as of Dec. 28, the latest report of the Department of Health (DOH) based on data from various sentinel sites in the region said.
Dr. Cherry Lou Antonio, Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) chief, said most of the victims were males aged one to 30-years-old.
Five were injured by whistle bomb, a type of firecracker considered extremely dangerous.
The DOH reiterated its warning that all types of firecrackers pose serious risks.
Antonio urged the people, particularly parents, to closely supervise children and avoid the use of firecrackers to prevent serious injuries during New Year.