Mandaue government: Celebrate New Year without firecrackers

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government is now preparing measures to make the celebration of New Year's Eve safer.

Acting mayor Carlo Pontico Fortuna called on Mandauehanons to celebrate New Year without using firecrackers and to avoid indiscriminate firing.

In yesterday's press conference, Fortuna reiterated the government's advice to the public to use safer noise-making alternatives in welcoming the New Year.

"We call on everyone again to refrain from using firecrackers and use instead horns and report any person firing guns especially during New Year's Eve. Stay safe Mandaue, and may all of you enjoy the holidays with your family and love ones," Fortuna said.

The city health and police authorities reported one nine-year-old blast victim with burns while a 56-year-old was injured by a stray bullet during the Christmas celebration.

In light of this, Fortuna is dashing his hopes for a zero-incident record for 2017.

Mandaue City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Roberto Alanas directed all the station's rank and file personnel to be ready in providing security for a peaceful New Year celebration.

Alanas cited accidents and injuries caused by firecrackers, pyrotechnics, unauthorized discharge of firearms, and altercations due to drunkenness, as some of the reasons for his order.

Superintendent Jonathan Abella, Deputy City Director for Administration of the MCPO, reminded the public that selling and buying of firecrackers will only be allowed in designated areas.

Abella said that firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials being sold at any other place will be confiscated.

Senior Inspector Josephus Alburo also said that fire trucks will be positioned at strategic positions in Barangays Centro and Canduman, and along the Mandaue National Highway.

Dr. Edna Seno, head of the Mandaue City Health Department, said that doctors, nurses and other medical personnel have been placed on alert for firecracker-related injuries and other emergencies related to the New Year festivities. (FREEMAN)