Palace officials vow to continue drive vs firecrackers in years to come

MANILA, Philippines—Palace officials were elated over the generally peaceful celebration of New Year’s Eve, hoping and vowing at the same time that future celebrations would cause less injury to revelers.

Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma said on Sunday that the generally peaceful New Year’s Eve celebration apparently showed that the government’s campaign for people to shun the use of illegal fireworks paid off.

“I hope that we would be able change the people’s mindset for a more meaningful way of celebration, one that is safe and not causing damage or remorse,” Coloma said in a text message to reporters.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte vowed the government would continue its “aggressive campaign for the reduction of fireworks-related injuries.”

“Better to celebrate the New Year with hope than spending it in the hospital,” Valte said in a text message.

More than 470 people were wounded from fireworks or stray bullets during the entire holiday season, according to health officials who said the number was a 13 percent drop from last year’s record.