6 firecracker injuries reported in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 28  -- The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas on Thursday reported six firecracker-related injuries during this year’s first week of holiday revelries.

Four of the six blast victims, reported from December 1 to December 27, are from Dolores, Eastern Samar; one from Salcedo, Eastern Samar; and a lone victim from this city.

Five of the victims were reported on Christmas Day and one on Christmas Eve, said DOH regional information officer John Paul Roca in a press briefing.

The health department has no record of firecracker-related injuries in the same period last year.

Despite the reported cases during the period, health officials are optimistic that there will be less number of injuries this year. From December 21, 2016 to January 5, 2017, the region reported 98 blast victims.

The health department has no record of firecracker-related injuries in the same period next year, but officials are very positive that the number of casualties will be way below than in 2016 due to the strict implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 28.

The EO signed last June 20, limits the use of firecrackers in the country. The directive confines the use of firecrackers to “community fireworks display.”

Victims from Eastern Samar ignited sparklers and piccolo. The most serious was in Salcedo where the victim’s left index finger had to be amputated due to severe infection.

The lone victim in this city were brought to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center after she was slightly hurt by “lantaka” explosion.

“Lantaka” is a home-made bazooka made of either bamboo or recycled empty cans traditionally used to make noise during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“We have been reminding the public not to use firecrackers to welcome the New Year. Instead, use some alternatives to avoid accidents. We also encourage local government units to hold community fireworks display,” Roca said.

The DOH will continue the monitoring of firecracker-related injuries until January 5, 2018. (SQM/With reports from Vic Domingo Obaob OJT/PNA)