Digal to resign if no one gets hurt by firecrackers

CEBU, Philippines – If only to stress a point that banning firecrackers is the only way to prevent injuries from happening during Christmas and New Year celebrations, Provincial Police Director Erson Digal said he will step down from service if no one gets hurt this year.

Digal has urged a total ban on selling, dealing and manufacturing of firecrackers here. However, the same might not be the direction local government officials might want to take.

Digal's proposal does not include pyrotechnics.

"Somebody (manufacturer) said dili nila ibaligya sa hubog, but how sure are they? Baligyaan man gani ang mga bata," he argued.

He said authorities have fought the same battle every year with hospitals, fire stations and police stations on red alert during Christmas and New Year, a battle that reportedly cannot be won with mere regulation of firecrackers.

"Sayang lang kung sige sila og kampanya unya mao lang gihapon," he said.

Digal said the harm caused by firecrackers is often the burden of doctors and nurses, fire and police officers and vehicle drivers. 

He already directed the chiefs of police in the province to confiscate the locally known "lantaka" and "pugakhang," which are not among the authorized firecrackers. Digal said he wants to take advantage of the Department of Health (DOH) campaign "Oplan Iwas Paputok."  (FREEMAN)