PNP: Firecracker, gun-related incidents shoot up to 44

Police officers show illegal fireworks confiscated during their crackdown on illegal fireworks in Bocaue Bulacan on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Days before the celebration of the New Year, firecracker and gun-related incidents in the country have shot up to 44, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Saturday.

PNP data showed that the incidents shot from 23 as of Christmas Day to 44.

Of the 44 incidents, 27 were due to illegal possession or use of banned firecrackers, three due to illegal discharge of firearms, six were victims of stray bullet and eight were victims of fireworks-related injury.

The increase was attributed to the surge in the number of people arrested due to illegal possession or use of banned firecrackers, and those who were injured due to firecrackers.

READ: Firecracker and gun-related incidents rise ahead of New Year

The number of those who illegally discharged their firearms, meanwhile, remained the same.

The three additional victims of stray bullets were identified as Danilo Apulidar Carpio, 34 who was hit in the left thigh; Ronald Zablan Paguinto, 21, who sustained a gunshot wound in the back; and Ryan Aspa, 32, who was hit on his left ankle.

No death from any firework or gun-related incident has been recorded so far.

The PNP has deployed 200 personnel and 26 members of the Special Action Force in Metro Manila to secure malls, churches, and transport terminals since December 16. CDG

READ: To stem firecracker injuries, DOH to reward incident-free LGUs