NANCY CALLS ON PNP, LGUS TO MAKE SURE 'ZERO CASUALTY, INJURY' VS FIRECRACKERS IN NEW YEAR REVELRY

Senator Nancy Binay called on the police and local government units to make sure that there will be no firecracker-related casualties and injuries in the traditional merrymaking to start the New Year.

"Nanawagan po ako sa ating Philippine National Police (PNP) at mga local government units (LGUs) na gawing reyalidad ang 'zero casualties at injuries' sa pagsalubong ng Bagong Taon," Binay said.

There were 630 fireworks-related injuries and zero deaths during the celebration of New Year 2017, Department of Health (DOH) data showed.

The solon added that the police and local executives should strictly implement Executive Order (EO) 28, which bans the use of firecrackers by private citizens.

The use of firecrackers will be confined to community fireworks displays "to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties", the EO said.

Binay also called on the citizenry and other government agencies to help the police and local government in monitoring the manufacture, distribution, and sale of prohibited firecrackers and fireworks.

"Ang safety po nating lahat, lalo na ng mga kabataan, ay isang shared responsibility ng lahat ng mamamayan, local government units, at mga sangay ng executive department," she said.

The senator also said that the police should be vigilant in preventing the entry and use of illegal firecrackers and fireworks.

"Magtulungan po tayo, sa pangunguna ng kapulisan at ng mga LGUs, sa pagmonitor at pagreport ng paggawa, pagdistribute, at pagbenta ng mga iligal at ipinagbabawal na paputok," Binay said.

"Madalas po mga bata ang biktima ng mga illegal na paputok, lalo ng piccolo, dahil sa madaling itago at ibenta ito. Dapat pong bantayang maigi ang pagpasok at paggamit nito sa merkado," she added.

Binay has filed in the last two Congresses a bill to "reduce the number of injuries sustained by children by prohibiting the selling, giving, or in any way sharing of firecrackers."

Senate Bill 367 carries with it a penalty of a prison term of a minimum of six months and one day to a maximum of six years or a fine not less than P50,000.00 but not exceeding P250,000.00, or both, at the discretion of the Court for any person caught selling, giving, or any way share any type of fireworks or firecrackers to children 15 years old and below.