Editorial: We just kill ourselves and one another

CONGRATULATIONS to Dabawenyos for making it the fourth year with zero firecracker-related injuries in the whole of Davao City. While indeed injuries dropped to one or two right after the firecracker and pyrotechnics ban was implemented Christmas of 2000, there has been one or two and even four until four years ago.

It just shows that in whatever endeavor, a lot of work has to be done. But the first step is always recognizing a problem and acting on it.

So, finally, we’re getting the hang of it and more and more are getting arrested; the message coming across is that there’s the higher risk of being caught if you insist on breaking the law. Now, we have next Christmas to look forward to if finally, finally, finally, there will be not one single firecracker blast in all communities.

Still, congratulations for another year without any firecracker-related injury.

But guess what? We’re far from being the civilized and law-abiding bunch we take pride in claiming.

While indeed there were no firecracker-related injuries during Christmas and New Year and the day preceding that, there is a hike in the number of stabbings, shootings, mauling, and motorcycle accidents. The common story, drink a lot, get drunk and then lose it.

The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) reported a total of 88 vehicular accidents, 102 mauling incidents, 11 shooting and 28 stabbings during the holidays in Davao City. No stray bullets, just men who get drunk and shoot each other.

Of these, 23 road mishaps, 22 mauling and 15 stabbing incidents happened on December 24 while 16 vehicular accidents, 22 mauling, seven shooting and seven stabbing incidents were brought in to SPMC during Christmas Day.

A total of 15 road mishaps, 28 mauling and one stabbing incident were brought in on New Year's Eve.

On New Year’s Day, when everyone was already sloshed after the media noche, there was a spike, with 34 vehicular accidents and 30 mauling incidents along with four shooting and five stabbing incidents.

"Eighty percent of these incidents were correlated to the use of alcoholic drinks which resulted to these incidents. This number indicates that people still celebrate the holidays with reckless abandon, that is why they lose control and commit these crimes," SPMC chief of clinics Dr. Ricardo B. Audan said.

May the next holidays remind us of these numbers and become mindful of our actions as we drink yet another shot. The holidays, after all, is supposed to be the season of love and giving.