From sunstar.ph

“Firecracker injuries now over 100

“As of December 27, at least 107 injuries caused by fireworks and one due to stray bullet have been recorded, according to DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag.

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“What has become a warlike revelry of noise and pollution is no longer entertaining as we see young children getting disfigured by firecracker blast, the surroundings carpeted in trash and the air reaching hazardous levels that are not safe to breathe,” EcoWaste Coalition vice president Ochie Tolentino said in a statement. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)”  

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From tempo.com.ph                                              

“Firecracker zones

“Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police is pushing for a firecracker zone in every barangay in the country as part of the safety measures to reduce the number of injuries for the New Year’s revelry.

“Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta, director of the Firearms and Explosives Office, said it has already been prove that the existence of firecracker zones are life and limbs-saving measures as it limits the areas where dangers of injuries and even fire incidents would occur. (Aaron B. Recuenco)”

Photo under License Creative Commons

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From GMA News Online:

“LGUs affirm success of local firecracker bans

“xxx(L)ocal government units with firecracker bans are continuing with their policies xxx Olongapo City, meanwhile, which followed Davao’s lead in 2008 by implementing its own firecracker ban, has since reported no injuries caused by fireworks. xxx  In Muntinlupa City, which passed an ordinance banning firecrackers in 2010, xxx  public safety officials and police had met to discuss the firecracker, xxx. Pateros said that though its firecracker ordinance is limited only to the prohibition of the sale, distribution and storage of firecrackers in the town, it still heavily promotes alternative ways of greeting a brand new year, such as using toy horns and banging on pots and pans.xxx  the Department of Health brought up the idea of a nationwide fireworks ban as the number of holiday-related firework injuries continue to rise days before the New Year. Out of the 1,022 holiday-related firework injuries recorded from December 21, 2011 to January 5, 2012, 600 cases or about 60 percent were recorded in the National Capital Region, according to the Philippine National Police. Within the NCR, Quezon City posted the most number of victims during the last New Year celebration having 200 casualties xxx  Manila and Pasig followed Quezon City with the highest recorded firecracker-related injuries during the last New Year revelry xxx The PNP earlier warned the public of 20 illegal firecrackers, including the Piccolo, that were out in the market. The police likewise cautioned against using ‘oversize’ firecracker products, which have more than the 0.2 gram maximum explosive content set for firecrackers. Examples of these hyper-crackers are the “Gangnam Bomb,” “Goodbye Bading,” and “End of the World.” To lessen firecracker-related injuries, the PNP also urged barangay officials to designate firecracker zones in their respective areas. For its part, the Health Department earlier this month launched its campaign “Oppa Gangnam Kontra-Paputok” which urged the public to dance in the infamous Korean song “Oppa Gangnam Style” this New Year, instead of using firecrackers. Also, for a safe and eco-friendly New Year celebration, it was suggested that homemade confetti made of recycled paper be used or else the celebrations can be turned into a paint party. — DVM, GMA News”