• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Health reported 96 fireworks-related injuries in Negros Island for the period covering December 21 last year to January 2 this year.
The report from the DOH Negros Island Region Center for Health and Development, further added that of the 96 victims, 62 are minors.
Negros Occidental had the most number of victims with 59, highly urbanized Bacolod City logged 20, Negros Oriental accounted for 15, while Siquijor had two cases.
On the other hand, the reported stray bullet incident in Bacolod City was declared as ‘self-injured’ by the Philippine National Police.
The ‘triangulo’ or ‘triangle’ topped the list, causing 19 injuries; 15 were caused by kwitis; 11 by 5-star; and 10 from unknown fireworks. Whistle bombs caused 8 injuries, boga accounted for 7, bilong-bilong and candle bomb caused 6 injuries each, 5 from kamara, 2 from sparklers, while pla-pla, marawi, katay, picolo, super lolo, and flying tiger each caused one injury.
On the other hand, the Police Regional Office 6 reported the confiscation of about 1,700 prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, and 426 ‘boga’ in Western VIsayas.
“Boga” is a homemade cannon, typically made from plastic or PVC pipes or cans. Last week, Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky said he would recommend to the Regional Peace and Order Council that local government units pass ordinances banning the use of boga during New Year celebrations.*
