Celebrate New Year safely, public urged
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
(Akeanon) Bureau of Fire Protection sa Aklan, nag-apela sa publiko nga likawan ro paggamit it paeupok / Bombo Radyo
http://www.bomboradyo.com/newsdetails1.asp?ID=125275

KALIBO, Aklan - Don't explode firecrackers in New Year celebrations.

Dr. Felma Reloj-Dela Cruz, former president of Aklan Medical Society, has appealed to the public to use torotot, pots and empty cans or kitcheb utensils in welcoming the New Year. She also urged the public to avoid banned firecrackers and not to fire their guns during the holidays.

"Let us welcome and celebrate the New Year safely and keep out of danger from firecrackers. We encourage you to use torotot or drums in welcoming the New Year revelry rather than from becoming victims of firecracker explosion," she said over DyIN Bombo Radyo yesterday.

Last year, the Department of Health reported a total of 733 firecracker-related injuries attributed to the intensified 'Iwas-Paputok' campaign nationwide.

With the slogan: “Ngayong Bagong Taon, gusto mo ba ng saya o disgrasya? Huwag kang magpaputok!” the DOH is strongly advocating against the use of firecrackers to reduce the number of injuries and casualties.

Most of the victims, the DOH said, were children when they pick up unlighted firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year's day. They were admitted to hospitals for burn injuries, amputations and lacerations.

A number of people hit by stray bullets carelessly fired into the air also increased last year, the DOH reports said.

Dela Cruz said firecrackers, along with fireworks originated in China, are part of traditional celebrations marking the New Year in the Philippines, which fell on Friday this year. Just before midnight, thousands of firecrackers are lit up believed to scare off the bad luck and evil spirit.

Meanwhile, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) also warned its police officers to refrain from firing their firearms during the New Year's Eve as they sealed off their gun muzzles last week.