DOH firecracker watch: Zero casualties so far

With just two weeks left before the New Year, hardly any firecracker-related injuries have been reported to the police.

Unlike the previous holiday seasons when cases of firecracker injuries and watusi poisoning started were reported as early as the first week of December, this year seems to be different.

For the Department of Health (DOH), its “Iwas Paputok” campaign would still run from Dec. 21 to Jan. 5 just like in previous years.

DOH spokesman Eric Tayag said they have to limit the surveillance to this period so they can effectively compare the current figures with the previous ones.

Tayag also rallied the public to be vigilant against the firecracker piccolo that was declared as public enemy number 1 of the DOH.

Tayag called on local government units and the police to crackdown on the sale and use of piccolo, which accounted for 42 percent of the 920 people injured from firecrackers last year.

“If we could only stop the use of piccolo, there will be a significant reduction in injuries. The sad part about piccolo is that the victims are the children,” he said.

Piccolo is easy to use and was designed for children but was banned after it was found to be the leading cause of firecracker injuries in every New Year celebration for the last five years.

The EcoWaste Coalition also called on parents to take the lead in preventing their children from using piccolo.

“Firecrackers are not toys for young children to play with. Firecrackers are dangerous, deadly and dirty and a total waste of money for a few minutes of toxic revelry,” said Aileen Lucero of EcoWaste Coalition.

She said there are alternative noise-making devices that could be used to usher in the New Year.

“To stop the tragic injuries and deaths, the destructive fires, the hazardous pollution and the acoustic torture against animals due to firecrackers, we appeal to the general public to welcome 2017 in a safe and eco-friendly way without firecrackers,” Lucero said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday began its 24-day Oplan Ligtas Byahe program in all seaports in the country in anticipation of the influx of passengers traveling this Christmas season.

PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said that from Dec. 17 until Jan. 9, their operational units would be on alert as part of Oplan Ligtas Byahe.

Filipinos and tourists are expected to take advantage of the Christmas break to visit their relatives or go on vacation.

Balilo said they do not expect the number of sea passengers to be concentrated on one day.