DOH targets zero firecracker injuries

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) intends to record zero firecracker-related injuries this year with an executive order controlling the use of fireworks now in full force.

“We anticipate a minimal, if not zero, death and firecracker-related injuries throughout the season,” Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said yesterday.

With the full implementation of the executive order, Bayugo said, the DOH expects incidence of firecracker-related injuries to drop to zero this year.

Last June, President Duterte signed Executive Order 28 providing for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Under the EO, use of firecracker shall be confined in so-called “community fireworks display” areas to be designated by the local government units.

Bayugo said the DOH and other concerned agencies are coordinating to ensure that the Filipinos would welcome 2018 safe from stray bullets and firecracker-related injuries.

At the launching yesterday of the government’s “Oplan: Iwas Paputok” campaign, Bayugo also urged the public to abide with the firecracker ban to avoid possible arrest.

“Don’t use firecracker anymore because you can be arrested. Playing with firecrackers in front of homes or non-designated community fireworks display areas is now prohibited,” Bayugo noted.

There is still no order banning firecracker use last year, but Bayugo said the DOH recorded a 34 percent drop in firecracker-related injuries and there was no death compared to the 2015 figure.

He said not a single firecracker-related injury was ever recorded in Davao City since then mayor Rodrigo Duterte imposed a firecracker ban in the city.

“So let us just abide by the EO and go to the community fireworks display areas,” he said.

Persons who have firecrackers already in their possession at this time, Bayugo said, may just donate these to the community display areas.

Supt. Roland Vilela of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Fireworks and Explosives Office (FEO) said they are enforcing the order regulating the sale and use of firecrackers.

He said the PNP will focus the campaign against those selling imported firecrackers.

“All imported firecrackers like piccolo are prohibited,” he said, and that children caught playing with firecrackers will be placed under care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Those arrested for violating the order face six months to one year imprisonment and minimum fine of P20,000 to maximum of P30,000.

Bureau of Fire Protection Supt. Douglas Guiyab said they are taking part in the campaign against firecrackers to protect the public not only from injuries, but also from losing their homes to fire.

EcoWaste Coalition said firecracker use must be avoided to protect the people, animals as well as the environment from toxic fumes coming from firecrackers.

Instead of buying firecrackers, Ecowaste official Aileen Lucero urged the public to save their money and donate it for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi city.