Erap to MPD: Step up campaign vs firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered yesterday the Manila Police District (MPD) to intensify the campaign against illegal firecrackers.

The city government and the Department of Health launched the “Iwas Paputok” campaign in Smokey Mountain in Tondo to reduce injuries caused by firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“I ordered the chief of the MPD to strictly enforce the ordinance banning the use and sale of illegal firecrackers such as piccolo and super lolo. Every year, many children are brought to hospitals for injuries caused by firecrackers,” Estrada said.

The mayor was joined by Health Secretary Janette Garin.

Garin said the campaign aims to encourage the public to welcome the New Year peacefully by doing away with firecrackers.

Last year, Manila recorded 228 firecracker injuries. Most of the victims, aged 5 to 14, came from Tondo, Estrada said.

The DOH has called on the authorities to strictly implement the ban against the use piccolo, the leading cause of injuries during the previous New Year revelry.

Estrada said the city government-owned hospitals and those run by the DOH would give free medical services to victims of firecrackers.