11 hurt by firecrackers in Mlang

MLANG, North Cotabato -Despite massive campaign against thedanger of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics during Christmas and New Year celebrations, revelers continue to light firecrackers that injured them in the process.Mayor Joselito Pinol disclosed that from December 25 to January 1 at least 11 people were rushed to various hospitals due to firecracker related injuries. Pinol said most of the victims were minors who sustained lacerations due to piccolo explosions. We did everything to educate our people but it seems others refuse to listen, Mayor Pinol said. Pinol identified the firecracker related injury victimsas Lacson Bualan, 11 years old and Gonzalo P. Vigil, 59, both fromBarangay Inas Roy C. Abraham, 15 and Albert P. Dirado, 19, both from BarangayTibao Mark Henry G. Quillo, 12, fromMatalam John Jassen, 17 yrs old from Poblacion B Labayno Lasan Gary S. Bacenal, 38 from Poblacion A Mery Joy A. Bayon, 22 of BarangayPoblacion A Ivy G. Paunon, 14 of BarangayMalayan, all outpatients. Also injured crying cow firecrackerwas Erlando J. Zamora, 49 from BarangayDalipe. He remained confined atMlang Specialist Hospital. Pinol said nobody to blame but the victims themselves because the local government have repeatedly reminded them on the dangers of firecrackers, especially piccolo which account to about 90 percent of the victims' injuries.Pinol said he will asked the town council to enact an ordinance for total ban on firecrackers in Mlang. Personally, I recommend that firecrackers should be banned and no more explosions on Christmas and New Year. We can rock in roll to the world without injuring and endangering our children,” Pinol said.