Revelries in Lapu-Lapu City peaceful

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City's New Year revelry was generally peaceful with no major incidents recorded, according to the security and fire departments.

"From December 30 until January 31, very peaceful ang pagsugat sa New Year though naa lang upat ka minors ang injured," Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, office-in-charge of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, told members of the media yesterday.

"No lawless elements (were) reported and an all-out foot patrol, as well as security checkpoints, was implemented," he added.

Radoc said around 260 police personnel were deployed to maintain peace and order during the week.

Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital reported young victims of firecrackers but were immediately treated by emergency medical attendants.

Hospital nurse Charles Ymbong told The FREEMAN that among those who landed at LLCDH because of firecracker-related incidents were Angela Bonghanoy, 10, of Barangay Babag; Ferd John Apolinar, 13, of Barangay Gun-ob; Miguel Andrino, 5, of Barangay Kalawisan; and Kevin Chavez, 5, of Barangay Punta Engaño.

The victims were rushed to the hospital between 12:53 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. of January 1.

Ymbong said the young patients were treated immediately after they got injured from firecrackers such as thunder, araw and piccolo.

The Lapu-Lapu City Fire Department also confirmed that they have not received any major alarm between December 31 to January 1.

A day earlier, however, a fire broke out near General Aviation Road in Barangay Basak after a seven-year-old child reportedly played with a lighted candle, burning one house and damaging another.  (FREEMAN)