MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine official says more than 200 people have been injured by illegally huge firecrackers and celebratory gunfire despite a government scare campaign against reckless holiday revelries.
A Filipino vendor shows a giant firecracker along a busy shopping district in Manila, Philippines on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. Despite injuries and fire caused by firecrackers, many Filipinos still buy the items to welcome the New Year in the belief that it will drive away bad spirits. AARON FAVILA /AP PHOTO
Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag said Saturday that most of those hurt were children. Stray bullets wounded eight people and 197 were injured by powerful firecrackers from Dec. 21-30.
Officials fear the number of injuries may rise as superstitious Filipinos bid goodbye to a year of natural disasters and economic uncertainties.
Desperate to halt the violent tradition, officials have warned revelers they risk amputations if they are hurt lighting up huge firecrackers.