The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday called on barangay officials across the country to help ensure that New Year’s Day celebrations will be “incident-free.”
“Barangay leaders are at the forefront of ensuring that local festivities remain incident-free. We urge them to be proactive in safeguarding their constituents, especially against the use of illegal firecrackers and even firearms during [the] New Year celebration,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
At the same time, he reiterated his appeal to desist from using firecrackers in welcoming the new year.
Data from the Department of Health showed that 91 firecracker victims were reported from Dec. 21 to 27, including two minors who had finger amputations.
The number, collected from 62 sentinel hospitals, marked a 34-percent decrease compared to 137 cases during the same period last year.
“Patuloy nating pinapanawagan sa ating mga kababayan na iwasan ang paggamit ng paputok para sa inyong kaligtasan (We continue to call on our countrymen to avoid using fireworks for your safety),” Nartatez said.
He also urged the public to report indiscriminate firing in their communities after a man in Tondo, Manila died after reportedly being hit by a stray bullet on Christmas Day.
“While your PNP is implementing safety measures to cover as many communities, the vigilance, cooperation and involvement of our kababayan (fellow citizens) in peace and order are really essential in keeping everyone safe,” Nartatez said, as he also reminded police officers and gun owners that a strict one-strike policy will be enforced against indiscriminate firing.*PNA
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