PNP orders alert amid rising injuries

KEEP KIDS SAFE Six-year old Princess Tagureta helps watch over her family stall in Divisoria, Manila, selling traditional horns for New Year’s Eve. —Richard A. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on Sunday ordered all PNP units in the country on heightened alert to assist the public, particularly travelers and those facing emergencies.

“Our officers are trained and equipped to handle emergencies, from providing immediate first aid to assisting in fire response operations. We are ready to serve the public in every way possible,” Marbil said in a statement.

“We have mobilized our police units to maintain peace and order during New Year celebrations and ensure the safety of travelers heading home,” he said.

READ: DOH records 142 firecracker-related injuries days before New Year

“Coordination with government agencies and local traffic management offices is key to managing the movement of people and vehicles effectively during this busy season,” he added.

READ: 418 road accidents logged in 8 days, says DOH

The PNP chief issued the statement as the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Sunday the continued increase in injuries from road traffic accidents as well as firecrackers.

According to the DOH, a total of 418 people were involved in road accidents from Dec. 22 to Dec. 29. The figure was 38 percent higher compared with the same period last year.

Sixty-eight of these were involved in accidents that happened from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29—the highest number of cases in a single day.

Of the 418 cases, 70 percent involved motorcycles. Of those injured, 70 (17 percent) were intoxicated.

The DOH reminded motorists to follow traffic regulations, like wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle or using a seat belt when riding a car, and not to drive if they are exhausted or drunk.

Injuries from firecrackers

Meanwhile, the DOH recorded 17 more people injured due to firecrackers on Sunday.

The overall number of injuries due to fireworks from Dec. 22 to Dec. 29 has reached 142—up by 35 percent from the 105 cases logged during the same period in 2023.

Of the total cases, 104 (73 percent) were caused by illegal fireworks like “boga,” five-star and piccolo. Majority of those injured were the ones igniting the firecrackers.

Most of them were also men, aged 18 and younger.

First fatality this year

On Saturday, the DOH reported the first fatality due to firecrackers ahead of the New Year revelries: a 78-year-old man from Central Luzon who died after a Judas’ belt firecracker he lit injured him in the eye and thigh.

Large-sized Judas’ belt firecrackers are among the 28 firecrackers, including “watusi,” piccolo, five star and “pla-pla,” prohibited by the firecrackers law (Republic Act No. 7183), according to the PNP Civil Security Group.

Marbil urged the public to stay safe and not patronize prohibited fireworks as well as observe fireworks rules that have been in place for years.

The PNP also urged the public not to light firecrackers in residential areas in welcoming the New Year to ensure everyone’s safety.

The DOH, however, again warned the public about the dangers of using firecrackers, regardless if they are prohibited or not.