FILE PHOTO: Fireworks light up the Eastwood City commercial and corporate district in Libis, Quezon City, with the silhouette of the Christ the King Parish church in the foreground (left photo). —LYN RILLON/WILLIE LOMIBAO
MANILA, Philippines — Four fireworks-related injuries were recorded nearly two weeks before the anticipated New Year’s Eve revelry, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
In a statement, the DOH noted that the four wounded were children aged 6 to 13, prompting the agency to reiterate its call to the public and concerned government agencies to work together against the use of illegal fireworks such as boga, 5-star, and piccolo.
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“We must stand firm to eradicate the use of illegal fireworks. Our laws are there to protect against illegal fireworks. We should all protect our communities,” it said.
The DOH stressed that both law enforcement and traders play crucial roles in preventing unfavorable incidents from illegal fireworks.
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It then urged local governments and barangay leaders to organize controlled fireworks displays to ensure a safe celebration.
Parents were also encouraged to supervise their children against the dangers of illegal fireworks.
In Zamboanga, however, the local government has lifted the ban on firecrackers which was imposed in 2013 following the siege by Moro National Liberation Front members.
Lawyer Kenneth Vincent Beldua, secretary of the city council, announced on Tuesday, December 19, that Mayor John Dalipe signed on December 11 Ordinance No. 632, which allowed the “use, sale, possession, distribution, storage, and manufacture of firecrackers and consumer pyrotechnics” but only from December 1 to January 6.