THE Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) has recorded zero firecracker and stray bullet-related injuries during the celebration of the New Year.
SPMC chief Dr. Ricardo Audan told SunStar Davao in a phone interview on Wednesday, January 4 that the existence of the City Ordinance 060 enacted in 2022 also known as the Firecracker Ban which prohibits the possession, use, sale, manufacture, and distribution of pyrotechnic devices within the city, had contributed to the zero cases of injuries.
“As expected, ang atong (our) firecracker and stray bullet [incidents] are zero data, even for the past years because of the city ordinance banning firecrackers,” Audan said.
For the past years, the SPMC chief noted at least an average of two firecracker injuries with patients, which mostly are coming from neighboring provinces.
On December 25, 2022, a 23-year old male who hails from Davao City was admitted to the hospital after being injured by a firecracker that exploded in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. The patient’s status is out of danger, whose finger will not be amputated after only incurring minor injuries caused by whistle bomb.
Although Audan noted that they highly anticipated cases of vehicular accidents due to suspected drivers under the influence of liquor (UIL).
The official said they recorded 19 vehicular accidents, of which the majority are UIL-related.
They also recorded one stabbing incident, however, no further details were disclosed.
Meanwhile, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Maj. Catherine dela Rey also noted zero casualties caused by firecrackers and stray bullets.
Dela Rey said they have arrested two individuals due to the firecracker ban and are set to face charges.
They were also able to rescue 29 minors from using fireworks.
She added that about 171 pieces of lantaka, one glass of flammable fluid, six packs of triangular-shaped firecrackers, and 20 pieces of kwitis were also confiscated from December 12, 2022 to January 1, 2023.
DCPO, in a previous interview, anticipated an increase in suspected UIL drivers.
Dela Rey said from January to mid-December 2022, they already recorded a total of 118 incidents of suspected drunk drivers before the year ended.
Although lower than the 2021 record of 143 suspected drunk drivers, Dela Rey said this might increase in the coming days due to left and right Christmas parties which are back after two years of restricted events and gatherings.
In December 2021, she said, DCPO and Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) recorded at least 10 incidents involving suspected drunk drivers.
No data has yet been presented since Christmas Day. RGL
