CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Health and police authorities reported a 53 percent decline in the number of firecracker-related incidents from the period December 16, 2018 to January 1, 2019 after only 9 firecracker-related injuries were recorded in two provinces in the region compared to the 19 cases during the similar reckoning period the previous year.
Chief Superintendent Rolando Z. Nana, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Cordillera, claimed that the significant reduction in firecracker-related incidents for the current reckoning period was brought about by the intensified monitoring of the law enforcers regionwide coupled with the aggressive campaign of the health department for the non-use of firecrackers during the celebration of the Christmas and New Year revelries.
He added that the 19 firecracker incidents recorded by the health and police authorities during the previous reckoning period came from the six provinces and two cities in the region while the 9 firecracker-related incidents for the current reckoning period came from the provinces of Apayao and Ifugao.
However, the police official disclosed that the 9 individuals aged 9 to 34 suffered by minor injuries after allegedly exploding prohibited firecrackers like boga, bawang, kwutis, piccolo and 5-star during the Christmas and New Year revelries.
The injured individuals were immediately brought to the nearest medical facilities in their places but they were immediately discharged after being provided with emergency treatment by their attending physicians.
Meanwhile, police operatives in Kalinga yesterday arrested John Lerry Tuboran, 26 and Aznodine Sulta, 23 after being caught selling illegal firecrackers in Dagupan Sentro, Tabuk City. Confiscated from the suspects were 14 packs of “pla-pla” containing 100 pieces each.
The suspects are now under the custody of the Kalinga police and facing charges for violation of RA 7183 known as the firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices laws of the Philippines.
On the other hand, Baguio City police yesterday confiscated 140 pieces of luces, 500 pieces 5-Star, 19 pieces of various fountains, 192 pieces of sparklers, 400 pieces of piccolo, and nine boxes of party pack fireworks while conducting anti-illegal selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in Baguio City.
Accordingly, when the vendors noticed that the police were coming to them, they immediately fled leaving their Merchandise behind to avoid being arrested.
Nana said that there is an order to all field commanders to closely monitor the selling of illegal firecrackers in the region and if they will learn of any activities, they should immediately address them properly.
In addition, the campaign on loose firearms of the PNP and the 100 percent personnel on duty during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve also helped in having a zero incident on indiscriminate firing. Last year, only one incident was reported with the suspect being arrested.
The Regional Director also added that PROCOR will remain on full alert status until orders are given and will closely work with DOH in the continues monitoring of firecracker-related incidents specially that celebrations are not yet finish.
By Dexter A. See