Say goodbye to fireworks, not your fingers, the Department of Health urged Filipinos Tuesday, as it reported 52 cases of fireworks-related injuries, six days before the New Year.
Five of the cases—three minors and two adults–led to the amputation of mangled fingers and hands due to the use of illegal fireworks, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
“Losing a finger, hand, or arm is painful, expensive, and traumatic,” he said. “Say goodbye to fireworks use at home instead of saying goodbye to your fingers.”
Twenty-four of the cases were logged between Christmas Day and Dec. 26, 6 a.m., the DOH said.
Of the total, 20 cases were in Metro Manila, six were in Central Luzon, and five were in Soccsksargen, the DOH said.
The victims were between 5 and 52 years old. Only one victim was female.
Twenty-two or 92 percent of the incidents occurred at home or on nearby streets.
Herbosa acknowledged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies that helped the DOH save lives and limbs.
“We continue calling on our mayors and barangay captains – once again, it is time to lead,” Herbosa said.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reminded its soldiers and personnel against indiscriminate firing during the celebration of the New Year, saying that violators will face appropriate punishment.
AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the AFP has policies in place against indiscriminate firing.
In Malabon City, a police officer has been placed under restrictive custody for his alleged involvement in the “accidental” firing of his weapon, the PNP said.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the incident happened on Dec. 23.
As of 6 a.m. Tuesday, Fajardo said the PNP has logged seven incidents of illegal discharge of firearms which involved a civilian, two police officers, two soldiers, and two still unidentified individuals.
One person was reported injured.
Fajardo added that five firearms were confiscated.
“We have been constantly reminding our gun owners and holders to be responsible at all times in using their firearms so as not to harm innocent people, that these should not be used as a device for making noise in welcoming the New Year,” she said.
The PNP scrapped the practice of muzzling police officers’ guns for the holiday season, saying this might hamper the response to incidents.
Also on Tuesday, the Quezon City Police District said the celebration of Christmas—including the nine-day Simbang Gabi or dawn Masses and Christmas Eve Mass—was generally peaceful.
QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan recognized the support and efforts of the local government units, church authorities, force multipliers, and other stakeholders who worked hand-in-hand with the QCPD in strengthening and tightening people’s vigilance against all forms of criminality during the holiday season.