Camp Olivas, Pampanga—A large quantity of pyrotechnics was abandoned by its owner, apparently to avoid arrest as police set up roadblocks along major thoroughfares in different areas in Central Luzon, authorities here said Thursday.
BGen. Valeriano De Leon, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), said the fireworks and similar devices were found by policemen on foot patrol abandoned beside a supermarket in downtown Cabanatuan City.
De Leon said the assorted pyrotechnics were neatly concealed in a large box left by its owner along Paco Roman Street. Different kinds of fireworks surfaced when checked by patrolling cops.
Policemen brought the items—which include 28 pieces of big and small fountains, 3,180 pcs of Lucis and other pyrotechnics—to the local station. No one came forward to claim the fireworks, the police report stated.
“The owner might have abandoned the firecrackers to avoid arrest,” said De Leon, as he reiterated his earlier warning on the use of firecrackers during the New Years’ Eve revelry.
A jail term awaits violators of the firecrackers ban, he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health revealed a significant decrease in the number of fireworks-related injuries in Central Luzon.
Data from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit show that from 30 cases reported from December 21 to 28, 2019, only four cases were tallied for the same period this year.
Of the seven provinces in Central Luzon, only Bulacan and Pampanga have reported two cases each, with the ages of victims ranging from 17 to 43 years old.
In terms of the kind of fireworks that caused the injuries, DOH Regional Director Cesar Cassion said “kwitis” accounts for 50% or two cases; followed by “triangulo” and Baby Rocket with 25% or one case each.
“Aside from the reduction in cases, another good news is that there were no reported cases of firecracker ingestion, stray bullet injuries, and tetanus infection,” Cassion said.
With this, the DOH continues to communicate to the public the dangers of fireworks use, and instead advocates alternative and equally enjoyable ways of celebrating the holidays and welcoming the New Year without the risk of physical harm.
“We also appeal to the local government units to continuously enforce and implement the minimum public health standards in their localities such as wearing face masks and shields, frequent hand washing, and observing at least one-meter physical distance to avoid contracting or transferring the COVID-19 virus during this holiday season,” Cassion said.