Holiday revelries hurt six kids in typhoon-hit Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 26 (PNA) -- Christmas revelry has wounded six children in typhoon-hit Northern Samar, the only province in Eastern Visayas with reported firecracker-related injuries as of Saturday morning.

“We don’t know why all reported injuries are in Northern Samar. Our appeal to all victims is to immediately seek medical attention because firecracker injury victims are very prone to tetanus infection,” said Roderick Boyd Cerro, chief of the Department of Health regional epidemiology and surveillance unit.

Five of the six victims suffered blast injury after igniting piccolo.

A lone victim sustained an eye injury after using lantaka (bamboo cannon), a popular alternative to firecrackers.

Young victims are from the towns of Pambujan, Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Catarman and Laoang, all in Northern Samar, which was battered by typhoon "Nona" on Dec. 14.

The government has launched its monitoring of Christmas and New Year revelries on Dec. 16, 2015 and will conclude on Jan. 5, 2016.

Operation centers have been activated in different provinces to monitor firecracker-related injuries.

The DOH encouraged the public to stop exploding firecrackers, but instead use other noisemakers such as party horns, car horns and loud music to celebrate the holidays. (PNA)

LDV/SQM

Tacloban bankers assure public of ample cash in ATMs during holidays

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 23 (PNA) -- Bankers in this city assured the public that automated teller machines (ATMs) have enough cash this holiday season even on non-banking days.

Francisco Barredo, Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) Tacloban manager and banking sector representative to the Regional Development Council, said that banks here were able to prepare for the demand.

“The Bangko Sentra ng Pilipinas has been granting our request for cash to answer the need in the next few days,” Barredo said.

Banks will also implement measures to ensure that ATMs are fully functional during Yuletide season. “In the case of BPI, we have a ready team that are on the go.”

Banks will be closed during regular holidays on December 25 (Christmas Day), December 30 (Rizal Day), and January 1 (New Year’s Day); and special non-working days on December 24 (Christmas eve) and December 31 (New Year’s eve).

Regular banking days will resume on January 4, 2016. (PNA)
FFC/SQM

BFP urges public to observe fire safety tips for Holiday season

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Dec. 21 (PNA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the city is stepping up its campaign against fire incidents in line with the Christmas season.

Fire officer Gladys Ann Lanuza said the initiative is in compliance with a memorandum for the “Iwas Paputok, Iwas Sunog sa Pasko at Bagong Taon” campaign issued by the BFP regional office.

The activity started on Dec. 15, 2015 until Jan. 1, 2016 wherein fire trucks will be roaming around the city with public address informing city residents safety tips for the holidays such as looking for the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) in buying Christmas lights, which is a proof that an item complies with safety standards.

“We should always consider the safety of individuals most especially our loved ones,” Lanuza said.

She added that their office will also distribute flyers containing fire safety information and emergency hotline numbers.

As stated in its flyers, the BFP has advised the public to observe the following fire safety tips:

Never burn wrapping paper, boxes or other trash in the fireplace;

Keep matches and lighters away from reach of children;

Unplug electrical appliances when not in use

Check holiday lights and replace cracked or broken bulbs, frayed wires and check loose plugs

Don’t use lights that are not safe and in case of fire and other emergencies, call the hotline 376.

The BFP in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) will inspect all firecrackers stores and will conduct safety training in handling firecrackers for vendors.

“Firecracker vendors need to undergo training on precautionary measure in case of an emergency, they also have to ask permit to sell firecrackers from the BFP.” Lanuza said.

Meanwhile, the city council is yet to issue an ordinance designating a specific area for selling of firecrackers. (PNA)
FFC/BNB/SQM/Jennifer S. Allegado/egr