"Iwasan ang Putol-Kamay," says DOH

2007/12/28

"Iwasan ang Putol-Kamay," says DOH

by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (28 December) -- "Iwasan po natin ang putol-kamay," said Health Secretary Francsico Duque III as he warned the public of the dangers posed by firecrackers, now that 87 individuals have already been injured four days before the coming New Year's Day.

Seceratary Duque disclosed during the "The Cabinet Speaks" television program that "sana sundin ninyo ang mga tagubilin mula sa Department of Health na walang ibang hangarin kundi pag ibayuhin ang inyong kalusugan, ang kalusuganng bawat Pilipino".

Of the 87 reported injured persons, 71 percent were males, 40 percent of whom were children aged 10 years and below said Secretary Duque noting that 17 percent of the victims were drunk when they were injured.

He said that the cause of injuries were attributed to exploding firecrackers such as "pla-pla," "kwitis," "five star," and "piccolo".

The DOH likewise reiterated its warning against the use of improvised polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe cannon called "boga"; and "super lolo" and "watusi" which continued to be completely banned.

Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government is calling on local chief executives nationwide, to help raise public awareness over the dangers of using "boga" during the holiday seasons.

DILG Secretary Austere Panadero, by authority of Secretary Ronaldo Puno, issued a Memorandum on this concerns, in response to the request for support by the DOH in discouraging the public from lighting "boga" pipes.

PNP Chief Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. have earlier ordered police officials to confiscate prohibited firecrackers and illegally manufactured pyrotechnic devices to help attain its zero-casualty target for the holiday season.

The PNP Chief also tasked his regional commanders to lead the campaign against loose firearms and the illegal or indiscriminate firing of guns during the New Year's Eve revelry.(PIA)

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