MANILA, Dec 30 (NNN-PNA) – The Philippines banned firecrackers, to avoid injuries and deaths, during the New Year revelry to welcome 2022, a government official said yesterday.
Interior Secretary, Eduardo Ano, ordered local governments and the national police, to crack the whip on manufacturers, sellers, and users of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, according to Interior Undersecretary, Jonathan Malaya.
Malaya said, the police and the local officials will enforce the ban by confiscating and destroying the prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The Department of Health (DOH) said, firework-related injuries increased to 25 on Dec 21-29 this year, compared with 12 cases in the same period last year. The DOH also said, the victims were primarily minors, aged from nine to 16 years old.
The government urged people to use alternatives to firecrackers, such as noise and light-producing devices, like sound systems, bells, pans, or tambourines “to prevent debilitating and life-threatening injuries.”
Filipinos make noise to greet the new year, a tradition they believe will bring good luck in the coming year.
Last year, the Philippine government also banned the use of firecrackers and urged the public to participate in community fireworks displays instead. However, at least one died and 50 others injured, as Filipinos celebrated Christmas and welcomed 2021, the health authorities said.– NNN-PNA
