3 more boys injured by firecrackers
Three more boys, including an 11-month-old baby, were injured by firecrackers, bringing the total of those hurt to four as of 6 a.m. yesterday.
Still, the number is seven cases lower compared to the same period last year, said the Department of Health (DOH)’s Epidemiology Bureau.
Based on the Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction 2017 report, a 12-year-old boy from Sampaloc in Manila got his right hand injured after using piccolo, an imported and illegal firecracker. He was brought to Jose Reyes
Memorial Medical Center. The other victim is an 11-year-old boy from Legazpi City in Albay who also used illegal firecrackers. He sustained a blast injury on his left hand and was treated at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital.
The third victim was an 11-month-old baby from Malate in Manila. He was hit by “Poppop” on his left knee and was brought to Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center for treatment. Health officials said the young boy was a “passive user” and that his injury required no amputation. DOH Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo urged parents to be vigilant and stop their children from playing with any type of firecrackers, especially piccolo, the leading cause of injuries among children in previous New Year revelries.
“Piccolo is illegal and they are not manufactured locally so we could not understand why these are still available in the market. I hope parents will keep a tight watch on their children to prevent them from using firecrackers,” Bayugo stressed.
Meanwhile, Malacañang reminded the public yesterday that there is a firecracker ban imposed on private individuThis als and residences during the holidays. It also reminded people of Executive Order 28, which limits the use of pyrotechnics and firecrackers to designated areas only.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the executive order, which was signed by President Duterte in June, is in effect during the Christmas season.
“This prevents the use of firecrackers in our homes, and this should be done in areas designated by the barangay, with a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) present to supervise the fireworks display,” the Palace official added.