DOH-9 urges total ban on firecrackers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The local government units (LGUs) in the region were urged to implement a total ban on firecrackers if they want zero cracker-related incidents.

Dr. Joshua Brilliantes, Department of Health (DOH) Region 9 assistant regional director, issued the challenge after observing zero firecracker-related injuries following total ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials for two years.

“For this year, instead of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as ‘torotot’, car horns, or by playing loud music,” Brilliantes said.

However, if LGUs cannot implement total firecracker ban, Brillantes suggested firework display instead.

DOH-9 reported that there had been zero casualty and 16 cases of firecracker-related injuries in 2014, which was 100 percent higher compared to 2013 with only eight firecracker-related injuries.

DOH’s surveillance team also registered at least four cases of stray bullet. Most of firecracker-related injuries involved the use of piccolo (40 percent), five star (13 percent) and fountains (13 percent).

Brilliantes said victims of cracker-related incidents mostly came from the province of Zamboanga del Sur (40 percent); Isabela City, Basilan (40 percent); Zamboanga del Norte (15 percent) and Zamboanga Sibugay (5 percent).

“Notably, no case was reported from Zamboanga City due to total ban of firecrackers,” Brilliantes said.

The health official emphasized the need for serious cooperation of LGUs and the public to achieve zero casualty in welcoming 2016.

“Serious injuries and amputation caused by firecrackers explosions have life-changing consequences,” Brilliantes added.