'Iwas Paputok' campaign launched

CEBU, Philippines – With 37 days more to go before Christmas, the Department of Health yesterday started its campaign against the use of firecrackers to prevent injuries and loss of lives during the celebration.

Regional Health Management Services coordinator, Dr. Expedito Medalla, said the use of firecrackers may be inevitable since it is already part of the tradition but he still encouraged everyone to observe the "Iwas Paputok" campaign for their own safety.

"It's really hard to fight with tradition. Pero kung naa'y magpabuto, ang ila na hinuong kaugalingon ang madaot," he added.

He suggested that instead of using firecrackers, people should use small trumpets (torotot) and beating pots or pans to "scare away evil spirits."

During yesterday's press conference, Medalla proudly announced that their records show a decreasing trend in firecracker-related injuries over the last five years in the whole region.

He cited that last year, there were only 47 casualties reported from 56 casualties that were reported in 2008. In 2007, firecrackers have killed 108 people; 117 in 2006 and 170 in 2005.

Under Republic Act 7183, manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices are regulated and controlled to ensure public safety, order and national security as well as the enhancement of the cultural traditions.

But Medalla said that there are still manufacturers who do not follow the required amount of chemical and explosive ingredients in the production of firecrackers.

He advised the people to look at the packaging label of the firecrackers to identify its quality assurance.

Medalla also urged the local government units and the media outlets to cooperate in strengthening the advocacy of the DOH against firecrackers use.

"It is not only DOH that is responsible but also the local government and the media as well. We need the political will and the enforcement of the law," he said.

Medalla said among the firecrackers that are strictly prohibited for public use are watusi, superlolo, pla-pla, atomic bomb, kwitis, thunder, triangle and boga.

He explained that watusi can be deadly once ingested because of its phosporous content while kwitis may also cause fire. With this, he advised the parents to be watchful of their children who usually use kwitis. He likewise urged them to ensure that their kids' hands are clean before eating.

Medalla also advised the public that once someone has been injured by a firecracker, immediately wash the affected area with clean water and soap. He warned against picking up of unused firecrackers.

Indiscriminate firing of firearms is also strictly prohibited to avoid stray bullet accidents.

"With this campaign, we are given a chance. Dili lang ta maminaw. Kinahanglang mobuhat ta sa angayang buhaton," Medalla said.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-7 director Ager Ontog yesterday advised the public to avoid buying imported firecrackers, these products are regulated by the national law and are controlled by the Philippine National Police.

He said they have already identified firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices that are allowed to be sold in the local markets.

For the firecrackers, these include baby racket, bawang, small triangle, pulling string, el diablo, watusi, Judas' belt, skyrocket (kwitis), and other types equivalent to the foregoing explosive content.

For the pyrotechnic devices, only sparkler, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle devices and butterfly are allowed to be sold here.

Ontog said they will coordinate with port authorities and other law enforcement agencies to hinder illegal products from entering the region.

Persons who sell the prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics will be slapped with a fine of P20,000 to P30,000 or an imprisonment of six months to one year or a cancellation of the license and business permit

Ontog said they will be holding a briefing regarding the licensing, security and safety measures in retailing and dealing of firecrackers among the vendors and dealers of these products.

The RA 7183 gives the local government units the authority to designate areas, which shall be at least 300 meters away from the nearest residential units, where a manufacturing complex may established and the warehouse must be at least 50 meters away from any processing station of the complex.

Ontog said the Firearms Explosives Security and Guard Supervisory Section will take charge of the inspection of the areas and the goods being sold. - Ria Mae Y. Booc and Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento, USJR MassCom intern/WAB (FREEMAN)