Two injured in firecracker blasts

CEBU, Philippines – Two persons were injured in firecracker-related incidents during the Christmas revelries in Cebu province.

Authorities, nonetheless, noted that reported injuries from firecracker explosion this year were considerably fewer than last year’s.

In Sibonga town, Gerson Dayota, 36, suffered severe injuries after a local firecracker called “Whistle Bomb” exploded on his left hand Thursday night.

Dayota, a resident of Barangay Abugon, was immediately brought to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in the nearby Carcar City where he spent his Christmas. Doctors there said he may have to lose his left middle finger.

John Lawrence Delica, 12, also had to be treated after a firecracker named “Triangle” exploded on his arms Christmas noon in Barangay Zaragosa, Aloguinsan town.

Delica, who sustained injuries in his left and right arms, was brought to the hospital by his parents.

Despite the two cases, police said the number of injuries related to firecracker blast during Christmas this year were lesser compared to that in 2014. However, they have not issued official figures just yet as of this writing.

The Police Regional Office-7 and the health department earlier warned the public not to use firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebrations, citing the dangers they pose on health.

Confiscations

Meanwhile, there was no letdown in the campaign against the illegal sale of firecrackers.

The police confiscated more than P70,000 worth of illegally sold firecrackers before and on Christmas Day in separate operations in the cities of Bogo, Naga, Talisay and Toledo and in the towns of  Argao, Consolacion, Cordova and Liloan.

At least P50,000 worth of firecrackers displayed in Barangay Guiwanon, Argao town were confiscated past 10 p.m. Thursday. The operation stemmed from a report the police received from an undisclosed informant.

When the police arrived in the area, the vendors reportedly scampered in all directions, leaving their wares behind that were eventually confiscated by the police.

In Barangay Gairan, Bogo City, at least P9,000 worth of firecrackers were also confiscated in an operation.

The Talisay City police and the Provincial Intelligence Branch also picked up illegally displayed firecrackers in the old public market of Talisay City in separate raids.

In Cebu City, authorities seized almost P50,000 worth of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices Wednesday and Thursday.

These prohibited items were confiscated by different police stations and police units in their areas of responsibility, including the Freedom Park in Barangay Ermita; Barangays Poblacion Pardo, Inayawan, and Bulacao; Spolarium Street in Barangay Duljo-Fatima; Barangays T. Padilla and Lorega; and Barangays Labangon, Tisa, Punta Princesa and Quiot.

The firecrackers confiscated included Bingala, Piccolo, Whistle Bomb, Kwites, Judas’ Belt, Roman Candle and Five-star.

Most of these prohibited items were confiscated in T. Padilla and Lorega which yielded at least P21,000 worth of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Senior Superintendent Mariano Batiancela Jr. of the Cebu City Police Office sternly warned all those who are planning to sell these prohibited products for New Year’s Day, saying they will surely take custody of such items.

GMA News Online reported that some of the firecrackers not allowed in the country include Watusi or the “dancing firecracker”, Piccolo, Super Lolo and Atomic Big Triangulo, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, Pillbox, Boga, Big Judah’s Belt, Big Bawang, Kwiton, Goodbye Philippines and Kabasi.

Other banned firecrackers include the Giant Whistle Bomb, “Atomic Bomb,” Five Star, Pla-pla, Og, and other unlabelled firecrackers.

Batiancela said their “accomplishment is an indication that policemen are really serious in their campaign against prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.”

He said the confiscation of these firecrackers will continue until January 3 or one day before policemen will detach the tape on the muzzle of their firearms on January 4.

In Cebu, police said, only two places have been designated as display areas for firecrackers, namely the South Road Properties in Cebu City and Barangay Babag in Lapu-Lapu City. — (FREEMAN)