Fewer firecracker victims in Neg. Occ

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines— There were fewer victims of firecrackers blasts in this city and the rest of Negros Occidental province this New Year than in previous year, police said.

Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, Negros Occidental Provincial Police director, reported on Jan. 2 that victims of firecrackers blast in this province, excluding Bacolod, were down by 48.7 percent compared to the previous year.

Police records show that only 20 were injured from December 31, 2013 up to Jan. 2, this year, compared to 39 injuries from Dec. 31, 2012 to Jan. 2, 2013.

In Bacolod, nine persons, four of whom were minors, were injured by firecracker blasts, and were brought to different hospitals.

Senior Supt. Edgardo Ordaniel, Bacolod Police director, said there were no reported victims of stray bullets or persons who engaged in indiscriminate firing over the same period. (FREEMAN)