• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Health reported 96 fireworks-related injuries in Negros Island Region, from Dec. 21 last year to Jan. 2 this year.
The DOH-Negros Island Region Center for Health and Development said that, as of 2 p.m. Jan. 2, there were 96 victims recorded, 62 of them minors.
Negros Occidental logged the highest number of victims with 59, Bacolod City with 20, Negros Oriental with 15, and Siquijor had two cases.
Triangle topped the list with 19 victims, 15 caused by kwitis, 11 by 5-star, and 10 were from unknown fireworks.
Whistle bomb caused injuries to eight persons, boga – seven, bilong-bilong and candle bomb – six each, kamara – five, sparkler – two, while pla-pla, marawi, katay, picolo, super lolo, flying tiger, and a combination caused an injury each.
The reported stray bullet incident in Bacolod, meanwhile, was declared as “self-injured” by the Philippine National Police.
On the other hand, the Police Regional Office 6 said it has confiscated about 1,700 prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, and 426 “boga” in Western Visayas.
“Boga” is a homemade cannon, typically made from plastic pipes or cans.
Last week, Police Regional Office 6 director, Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, said he would recommend to the Regional Peace and Order Council that local government units pass ordinances banning boga during New Year celebrations. | GB
