EDITORIAL - Zero casualty, zero injuries

Zero casualty, zero injuries – this is the dream of health and police officials for the celebrations that will usher in the New Year tonight. This dream is actually achievable if people will practice discipline in their merrymaking.

Injuries caused by firecrackers have been the problem of the Department of Health for many years now. Hospitals all over the country are always on Code White during the holidays, especially on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, to prepare for the influx of injured people.

The good news, however, is that the number of cases of firecracker-related injuries has dropped in recent years. This could only mean that the campaign of health officials for people to welcome the New Year safely has been successful and that people are now more aware of the risks of using firecrackers.

But there are still those who patronize firecrackers and use them to usher in the New Year. Health and police officials are eyeing a nationwide ban on firecrackers to finally put an end to firecracker-related injuries during the holidays. But this needs further study and preparation because of the fact that there are firecracker manufacturers that have to be considered. While there is still no law prohibiting the use of firecrackers, let us just hope that those who use firecrackers in their merrymaking practice safety measures so they will not hurt themselves or others.

Meanwhile, this is also the time of the year when some people fire their guns to welcome the New Year, which results to injuries or deaths caused by stray bullets.

Earlier this week, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa warned policemen against indiscriminate firing saying the PNP will have “no mercy” on cops who would indiscriminately fire their guns to welcome the New Year. The PNP chief also threatened to relieve from their posts high-ranking policemen who cannot solve indiscriminate firing cases or cannot arrest suspects within 24 hours. Dela Rosa also called on gun owners to be responsible and not use their guns to welcome the New Year. He likewise asked the public to be vigilant and take videos or photos of people who indiscriminately fire their guns.

The warnings have been given. The government has done everything it can to inform people about the dangers of firecracker use and the indiscriminate firing of guns. We will see in the coming hours if these warnings have gotten into the heads of everyone in the country.