Palace dared: Explain Nazarene procession-related injuries

MALOLOS , Philippines – Fireworks stakeholders are asking the Department of Health (DOH) to comment on the number of injuries suffered by devotees in the Black Nazarene procession compared to fireworks-related injuries during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

A man died and over 1,200 devotees were injured and treated for various injuries while participating in Friday’s procession in Manila.

The DOH, on the other hand, reported 714 firecracker-related injuries nationwide from Dec. 21, 2014 to Jan. 3, 2015.

Celso Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc., said with these reports, it seems the DOH has only concentrated its efforts on preventing injuries to Filipinos greeting the new year with a bang but seems not mindful enough of injuries incurred during the Quiapo procession for the Black Nazarene.

Both activities are traditional practices in the country, Cruz pointed out and wondered why the DOH seems to be very concerned only with fireworks-related injuries during the New Year revelry.

He said it is the mandate of the DOH to provide cures and medications to ill and injured people.

Cruz added that in fact, the DOH has openly been endorsing the possible total ban on the firecracker industry in the country and asked why does it not endorse the banning of religious processions like the Black Nazarene as well.

The DOH officials should first conduct research on why Republic Act 7183 or the firecracker law was enacted before endorsing a total ban of an industry that provides legal source of income to tens of thousands of people, Cruz suggested.

He added the DOH should also coordinate with lawmakers regarding the firecracker industry and maybe provide inputs on bills to correct flaws on the provisions of the law.

Health officials of the country can also help the administrator of the firecracker law to check the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. regarding its assessments that 50 percent of pyrotechnic devices being sold in the local market are smuggled products disguised as locally manufactured, 30 percent made by illegal manufacture and only 20 percent are legally manufactured.