DOH reports 1st victim of firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - A 10-year-old boy in Dingras, Ilocos Norte almost lost three fingers on his left hand after a piccolo he lighted exploded prematurely, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 1 reported yesterday.

According to the DOH’s Health Emergency Management Service, the boy was playing with the piccolo in the morning of Nov. 27 when it prematurely exploded.  

He was rushed to the Dingras District Hospital and was transferred to Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag.

The DOH said the boy suffered “amputating lacerations” but the doctors were able to save his left hand.

The DOH is set to launch on Monday its Iwas Paputok Campaign for the coming New Year celebration.  

The Philippine National Police (PNP), on the other hand, said yesterday it would intensify its watch against illegal firecrackers during the Yuletide season.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said under “Oplan Ligtas Paskuhan,” all possible areas where illegal firecrackers could be sold, including public markets, will be strictly monitored.

“We will be strict in enforcing Republic Act 7183. All illegal firecrackers will be confiscated and those caught selling them would be charged,” he said.

Republic Act 7183 or the “Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers” prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of types of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices that could endanger life and limb such as big triangulo and super lolo and their equivalents.

The law also gives the PNP chief the authority to determine what other firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are to be classified as prohibited. – With Mike Frialde