No firecracker-related injuries in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A zero firecracker-related injury was recorded as this southern port city welcomed the New Year, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, CDRRMO chief, said the zero casualty was the result of the firecracker ban ordinance implemented since 2013 after the September bloody siege.  

Apolinario said the ordinance, which is temporary and still in experimental stage, is under review by the local council.

He said they would recommend to permanently implement the firecracker ban since the ordinance was proven effective in preventing casualties and destruction.

Apolinario said they would also propose an increase in fines and penalties since a number of residents still managed to use fireworks despite the firecracker ban.

“But we are happy that despite the stubborn few we have achieved again the zero firecracker-related injury last night,”Apolinario said. 

Meanwhile, a stray bullet hit the newly opened Integrated Bus Terminal in the city but fortunately missed passengers waiting for their trip.

A police asset was also gunned down three hours before New Year’s Eve.

Police said the gun slaying of Edwin Pasamata could be related to his job of helping the authorities in a series of anti-illegal drug sting conducted. 

The Department of Health-Region 9 lauded the success of the city for zero casualty during the New Year’s revelry.

The agency has yet to gather the figures of firecracker-related injuries in other provinces and cities of Zamboanga peninsula.