15 firecracker-related injuries mar holidays

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Health regional office reported as of Jan. 3, Baguio had 15 firecracker related injuries; up from 13 thirteen cases last year.           

Baguio city included, the region had 54 reported cases, 7 from Benguet, 4 from Apayao, 3 from Ifugao, 3 from Kalinga, 4 from Mountain Province, and 18 from Abra which included a hand amputation.

The victim’s hand was badly mangled, and amputation is needed to save the person from infection, it was learned.      

It was also reported that some aerial pyrotechnics proved to be unsafe, causing some injuries to users and onlookers. Some injuries were also attributed to piccolo, baby rocket, super lolo and kwitis.

The tally for injuries officially ended Jan 4 when Action Paputok Injury Reduction group coordinated by nurse Elnoria Bugnosen finalized all reports from Cordillera provinces.  

According to Mayor Mauricio Domogan, the total ban on firecrackers in Baguio was not enough, as some pyrotechniques were bought from outside sources and used in the city. He has earlier proposed a pyrotechniques checkpoint for the city including neighboring towns.

Some pyrotechiques were allowed for sale in Baguio last Dec. 30-31, with all safety measures in place. 

Domogan lauded Baguio City Police Office head Jesus Cambay for leading confiscation and destruction of illegal pyrotechniques worth about P22,000.

He expressed hopes for the eventual approval of a city council ordinance which enforces a total ban and penalizes use of firecrackers in the city.

There should be less air pollution, thus, more concern for a clean environment and safety of Baguiotes, during Christmas holidays should be safeguarded, he said.. The cooperation of the citizens is  

Domogan said Christmas and New Year’s Eve could be celebrated in other ways without the noise and pollution of firecrackers.

“It was sad, however that some still preferred to “burn” their money through firecrackers, the mayor said. Their money could have been used for food on the table.”   In the national level, close to 800 cases of firecracker related injuries were reported, with a majority in the 6-10 age bracket.