Bulacan lights up the sky to greet 2018 with minimal accidents

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — The best-quality pyrotechnics made only in the “Fireworks Capital of the Philippines” – Bocaue, lit up the midnight sky, taking the spirits of Bulakeños to a greater high as they ushered in the new year 2018 with hope and joy.

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, proud of the tradition and history of this province, greeted his provincemates and congratulated them for generally abiding by the new regulations in having designated community fireworks areas for the spectacular fireworks and firecrackers show of the year.

Police and village authorities have noted this year’s revelry as the most peaceful and safe in many years.

However, the governor expressed dismay over the 21 victims of firecracker-related accidents throughout the province because the local governments and their private sector partners had been optimistic of setting an example that a firecracker-producing province like Bulacan could prove that a “zero-casualty” during the New Year’s Eve revelry could be achieved.

Citing an updated report from Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (LDRRMO) Head Liz Mungcal yesterday afternoon, Alvarado said that since December 21 most of the casualties are victims of the banned firecracker “Piccolo.” 52 injuries in Region 1 Meanwhile in Region 1, a total of 52 firecracker-related injuries were reported to the Department of Health (DOH) with 44 in Pangasinan and eight in Ilocos Norte.

Dr. Joseph Roland Mejia, chief of the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City, said hospital staff are on Code White until January 6 to monitor and address any more cases related to the New Year’s revelry, which was notably the most peaceful and safe celebration in years.

“Overall, this year’s celebration of New Year is considered peaceful made possible through the concerted effort of the PNP, Community and supportive friends from the media who helped in the massive dissemination of the EO (Executive Order 28 issued by President Duterte which bans firecrackers and designates community fireworks display areas),” said Superintendent Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. Ilocos Norte provincial director (PD).

Rizal lists 30 victims In Rizal, cases of firecracker injuries reached at least to 30 even as police confiscated illegal firecrackers in several areas days before the big night, said Supt. Ruben Piquero, Rizal Police Provincial Office (PPO) director.

Consolidated reports from local authorities recorded nine victims in Rodriguez; eight in Antipolo City; five in Binangonan; three in Angono; two in Taytay; and one each in Pililla, San Mateo, and Morong. (With reports from Liezle Basa Iñigo and Nel B. Andrade)