Davao region records six fireworks-related injuries from December 21 to 31, 2023. (Canva photo)
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 2 January) – Six firecracker-related injuries were reported in the Davao region from December 21 to 31, 2023, local health authorities said Tuesday.
Based on information released by the Department of Health (DOH)-Davao, there were three individuals injured by firecrackers in Davao de Oro, two in Davao del Norte, and one in Davao Oriental.
DOH-Davao recorded zero firecracker-related injuries in Davao City and the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.
This city has been imposing a firecracker ban through Ordinance No. 060-02 passed on October 15, 2002, during the term of then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who also served as President from 2016 to 2022.
Police Colonel Alberto P. Lupaz, Davao City Police Office director, said in a press statement that the city welcomed 2024 “safe, secure, and successful,” as no one was reported injured from firecrackers and stray bullets during the New Year celebrations in the city.
He said that the stringent security preparations imposed by the security cluster, including the force multipliers and other volunteer groups, contributed to the “orderly and peaceful” celebrations of the Holiday season.
Lupaz said the cooperation of the locals with the law enforcers in enforcing the “do’s and don’ts” during the holiday season also helped in keeping the city safe and secure.
“Snappy salute to everyone who gave their best and sincerely put their hearts into providing service, spent sleepless nights, and sweated just to make the celebration safe, secure, and successful,” he said.
From December 16 to January 1, 2024, police authorities confiscated 168 lantaka (bamboo canons) and one kwitis (skyrocket) here, Lupaz said.
The local measure prohibits the “manufacture, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives in furtherance of public safety, peace, order and security of the community.”
The local measure imposes a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of 20 to 30 days, or both for first-time offenders; a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of from one month to three months, or both, for second-time offenders; and a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of from three to six months, or both, for third-time offenders. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
