• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The number of fireworks-related injuries in Negros Occidental has increased to 89 as of Jan. 3, according to a report of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Eighty-one cases have been reported in 23 local government units of Negros Occidental while eight, in highly-urbanized Bacolod City.
Talisay City and Binalbagan have the most number of victims at 13 and 11, respectively.
The PHO reported that the injuries were caused by “triangulo” at 19 percent; “five star”, candle bomb, and “boga”, 11 percent each; “kwitis, 10 percent; whistle bomb, seven percent; and the rest were due to other government-allowed fireworks.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) logged 153 fireworks-related injuries in Western Visayas, much lower compared to last year’s 202.
The decrease has been attributed to the aggressive and strict enforcement of law enforcement activities in collaboration with the Department of Health regional office, it said.
PRO-6 also recorded two stray bullet incidents, which are now being investigated, compared to three last year.
A case of indiscriminate firing was also recorded after the New Year festivities.
Also, the PRO-6 reported the confiscation of P72,775 worth of assorted firecrackers for violation of Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. | GB
