FIRECRACKER composite image from Inquirer file photos
MANILA, Philippines — Two individuals were reported dead due to firecracker-related incidents, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
As of 6 a.m. on Jan. 2, the PNP logged one death each in Ilocos (Region 1) and Central Visayas (Region 7), with 822 injuries tallied nationwide due to firecrackers.
The PNP did not provide information on the victims nor a breakdown of the injuries per region.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo previously noted one death in Nueva Ecija, which is in Central Luzon (Region 3).
Further, the PNP recorded more instances of illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers, bringing the total to 1,409 cases. A total of 600,130 unregulated firecrackers, estimated to be worth P4,046,356.30, were seized.
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The number of firecracker-related arrests jumped to 83, according to the PNP.
Its latest data showed Calabarzon (Region 4) had 42, followed by Western Visayas (Region 8) with 17, then Metro Manila (National Capital Region) with 10.
Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) had six individuals arrested for unregulated firecrackers. Central Luzon (Region 3) had five, followed by Bicol (Region 5) with 2, then Ilocos (Region 1) with one, also as of 6 a.m. on Jan. 2.
The data was part of the PNP’s continued monitoring efforts for its Ligtas Paskuhan (Safe Christmas) initiative.
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The police force’s Firearms and Explosives Office under the Civil Security Group oversees the regulation of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices per Republic Act 7183.