DOH-12 reiterates appeal vs. firecracker use, listed 48 injuries to date
Breaking News • 20:57 PM Wed Dec 31, 2015
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By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
COTABATO CITY
- The Department of Health in Central Mindanao today reiterated its appeal for
the public to avoid using firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.
The appeal was
issued by Dr. Teogenes Baluma, DOH-12 regional director 12 hours before the
coming of 2015.
As of today,
the DOH epidemiology department listed 48 firecracker related injuries since
December 21 in the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato,
Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen.
Santos.
North Cotabato
had the highest number of firecracker related injuries so far with 19 followed
by South Cotabato with 17, Gen. Santos eight, Sultan Kudarat and Saranggani
with two each.
Baluma said as
compared to last year, this year’s firecracker related injuries was up 77.8
percent. From December 21 to 31 last year, DOH listed 27 firecracker related
injuries.
Baluma said the
number of firecracker related wounds could still increase as the region
prepares for grand celebration in welcoming the New Year, Baluma reiterated the
DOH’s appeal to avoid firecrackers.
”It is safe to
use alternative noise making devises in welcoming 2015,” he told reporters, adding
that if he had his way he would call for a total ban on firecrackers.
The Cotabato
City recorded zero” firecracker related injuries since December 16 when it
issued an executive order regulating the sale of dangerous firecrackers.
Lawyer Cynthia
Guiani Sayadi, Cotabato City administrator, lauded the efforts of the city
government, the police and the general public for the zero” casualty,
especially on Christmas Eve.
”I appreciate
the cooperation of the public, if not for everybody’s participation our
campaign would not have been successful,” she said.
”Hopefully
this New Year’s Eve celebration, the city will still have zero firecracker
related injury,” she added.
During the Christmas
Eve, residents also set off firecrackers but as compared to previous years the number
of those who used firecrackers have dwindled.
Senior Supt.
Rolen Balquin, Cotabato City police director, also lauded the residents for your
cooperation, let’s continue it until New Year so we all be safe.”
He assured
that your policemen here” will abide by the PNP national headquarters
directive that they will never use their guns in welcoming 2015.
Balquin said
the police and other law enforcement agencies in the city will remain on alert
24/7.
Baluma said DOH-12
placed 31 hospitals in the region on alert ahead of the New Year revelries.
He said some hospitals
have been designated as the main treatment and monitoring centers.
Baluma also
said that all government doctors and nurses are on standby to quickly respond
should the need arises.