One day after celebrating the entry of 2008,
the number of fireworks-related injuries remained lower than
those recorded last year, according to the Department of Health
(DOH).
In the surveillance report of the National
Epidemiology Center (NEC), 581 injuries were reported for the
period December 21, 2007 to January 2, 2008.
The figure is 319 cases or 35 percent lower
than that of last year and is also 233 cases or 28 percent lower
than the previous three-year average.
From January 1 to January 2 period, 143 new
cases were reported by several DOH sentinel hospital sites.
A 29-year old male from Tondo, Manila died
because of ingesting 10 sticks of watusi (dancing firecracker).
He was pronounced dead when he arrived at the Tondo Medical
Center.
Among the fireworks victims, 80 percent (469)
of the victims were males while about 202 (35 percent) belong to
those aged 10 years old and below.
The National Capital Region (NCR) had the
most number of victims with 421, which accounted for 73 percent
of the total number of injuries.
A total of 438 individuals suffered
blast/burn injuries, 41 of which needed amputation. Another 139,
on the other hand, sustained eye injuries.
The top five firecrackers that caused
injuries are the DOH-banned piccolo, kwitis, five-star, lucis
and whistle bomb.
There were seven reported stray bullet
injuries.
A Marine sergeant found to have fired his
rifle during the New Year revelry in Pasay City, resulting in
injuries to two minors faces dishonorable discharge, Marine
commandant Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino said yesterday.
He said the amicable settlement reached by
Sgt. Angel Tabula with the aggrieved parties did not clear him
of administrative liability. "As per guidance of higher
headquarters, anyone who will be found to have fired his firearm
would be discharged," Dolorfino said.
Tabula was due to be released yesterday from
police custody.
On January 1, Health Secretary Francisco
Duque took pride in the success of the DOH’s campaign against
firecrackers and fireworks after registering almost 50 percent
lower number of victims from the period of December 21, 2007 to
January 1, 2008 compared to last year.
In the days leading to the welcoming of 2007, the NEC had
recorded a total of 831 cases. – Gerald Naval and Victor
Reyes
