"Dont’ be part of the statistics," Franco reminded them.
Franco said that despite caution on the dangers of firecrackers and the hazard in the indiscriminate firing of guns may bring to anyone during the New Year’s revelry, several others continue to defy the warning.
"There are many other ways to welcome the New Year. But we have a tradition which is hard to eliminate," Franco said.
Franco advised revelers to properly observe the firecracker zones which would be designated by their barangay leaders. But to those who are pig-headed, Franco advised them to just light their firecrackers away from combustible materials and from electrical wires.
"Use only less powerful firecrackers – those which are not banned by the law," Franco said.
To his policemen, after taping the tip of their guns, and to gun owners who are itching to fire their guns, Franco suggested for them to use police firing ranges which will be opened 24 hours on Dec. 31. He also reminded those who would be caught firing their guns that they will be dealt with accordingly. – Pete Laude