NPD reports fewer firecracker injuries

The Northern Police District (NPD) recorded fewer firecracker-related injuries in the northern part of Metro Manila as compared to last year’s New Year’s eve revelry. Four were, however, hit by stray bullets.

Records from the NPD-Operations Division as of 11:30 a.m. yesterday showed that at least 71 revelers were reported injured by firecrackers.

The four stray bullet victims were identified as Rogelio Lim, 26, a resident of Block 19, Lot 16, Phase 1-B, Kaunlaran Village, Barangay North Bay Boulevard South, Navotas; Ferdinand Celis, 17; Sherwin Quintino, 16; and Michael Buenavide, 20, all of Dagat-Dagatan in the boundary of Malabon and Caloocan City.

A fire incident occurred at around 12:36 a.m. at Block 23, Dalag st., Area I, Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas but was immediately put out, SFO4 Rafael Trinidad said.

The cause of the fire that gutted the second floor of a two-story house is yet to be determined. Nobody was reported hurt.

In last year’s New Year revelry, the NPD recorded a total of 79 firecracker blast victims in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela (Camanava) area with Caloocan registering the highest number of injuries, 34. This was followed by Navotas, 27; Valenzuela, 16; and Malabon, two.

Yesterday’s record was lower at 71.

Caloocan still registered the highest number of firecracker victims wtih 42 injured. Navotas followed with 21; Valenzuela, five; and Malabon, three.

Meanwhile, at around 11:30 p.m., Manila Police District (MPD) cop PO1 Bobby Orit, 30, a resident of Block 36, Lot 26, Kawal st., Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City was shot with an improvised shotgun while walking near his residence. He was hit in the body but survived.

Alleged suspects Derick Nieto and Rommel Natividad escaped.