Zero firecracker casualty in Zambo, Davao

MANILA, Philippines - As most Filipinos welcomed the New Year firecrackers in one of the world’s most raucous and dangerous celebrations, residents of Zamboanga City and Davao came through unscathed.

It was the first time for Zamboanga City to register zero casualty from firecracker injuries.

The police added there were also no reports of people getting hit by stray bullets.

City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco had issued an executive order banning the sale and possession of all forms of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Climaco said this was the recommendation of the City Council, citing the traumatic experience of residents during the Sept. 9 siege of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels led by Nur Misuari.

Davao City, on the other hand, had been consistent in banning all forms of firecrackers, resulting in a zero-casualty rate for 12 years in a row.

Although no one was hurt during the New Year’s Eve celebration, police said 14 people and 19 minors were arrested for violating the ban against firecrackers.

Davao City residents blew horns and other means of making noise to greet the New Year.

Zamboangeños, for their part, were also aware of the Department of Health’s “Iwas paputok” campaign that made it more easily accepted by them because of the ban against firecrackers.

“That (firecracker ban) makes not only the city health but also the Department of Health happy, and this should be replicated all over the Philippines,” said city health officer Rodelyn Agbulos.

Police Superintendent Diomarie Albarico, deputy city police director, said since Christmas and until the New Year’s celebration, there has not been a single report of firecracker injury in Zamboanga.

“The point here is the declaration of the firecracker and pyrotechnic ban,” Albarico said.

With the positive result, Albarico said it would be good for the ban against firecrackers to continue.

He said the firecracker ban also had a positive effect on the implementation of the anti-illegal discharge of firearms since firing a gun would be easily noticed.