19 firecracker victims in Eastern Visayas

PALO, Leyte – The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas reported 19 injuries during the New Year revelry in Eastern Visayas.

DOH Eastern Visayas Assistant Regional Director Dr. Paula M. Sydiongco told Manila Bulletin there were 11 victims in Northern Samar; one in Samar; four in Leyte; eight in Eastern Samar; and one in Biliran.

The DOH recorded 25 reported cases since December 21, with two amputations.

Sydiongco reported a 76 percent drop in the number of firecracker injuries from last year.

In Tacloban City, City Councilor Jerry S. Uy said he observed far fewer firecracker explosions in the downtown area than in previous years.

Uy lauded the local police and fire authorities for strictly enforcing the ban on the sale of prohibited firecrackers.

Tacloban banker Serafin Cayubit Jr. said there was also less smoke from firecrackers.

Tacloban police chief Rolando Bade reported one firecracker injury in the city on New Year's Eve.

Bade said the victim, 18-year-old Oliver Lanaque, was rushed to the Tacloban City Hospital and was discharged after being treated.

The Leyte provincial police reported confiscating firecrackers in Baybay City, Kananga and other parts of Leyte.

In San Juan, Southern Leyte, Mayor Virgilio Mortera told Manila Bulletin that he strictly enforced the firecrackers ban as ordered by President Duterte.