At least 58 hurt from firecracker blasts in Calabarzon

INQUIRER.net file photo

SAN PEDRO CITY–At least 58 people were hurt in firecracker blasts and other incidents in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region as the country welcomed the New Year, police reports said on Monday.

Among those hurt was a five-year-old girl from Barangay Garita B in Maragondon town in Cavite province.

Reports from the Cavite police identified the victim only as Kaye, whose left eye was hit by a spark coming from a firecracker.

Also in Maragondon, Julian Ramos, 61, was injured from a firecracker blast.

In Cavite City, reports said Lt. Kenneth Villanueva, a member of the Philippine Navy, was onboard his vehicle and was holding a firecracker when it exploded in his hands.

In Batangas, Victor Bico from Barangay Maraykit in San Juan town was hurt from the spark of a fountain.

Still in San Juan, Randy Dapog was hurt when a “piccolo,” which he picked after he thought it was busted, suddenly exploded.

Police arrested Jeremy Latayan from Barangay Darasa in Tanauan City in Batangas for firing his gun in the air on Sunday night.

Supt. Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson for the regional police, on Monday said the police recorded no injury from stray bullets or fire in relation to the New Year revelry.

Reports from various provincial police offices showed that Laguna and Rizal provinces had the most number of firecracker injuries this year, with 26 victims from each province. /jpv

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