Less firecrackers injuries in 2012

THE Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) and the city health office observed fewer injuries due to firecrackers during the celebration of New Year’s Eve.

ICPO chief Senior Superintendent Marietto Valerio said the city posted 19 injuries caused by firecrackers, a downtrend from more than 100 injuries in 2011.

Police operatives recovered a total of 20 stray bullets from various firearm calibers as against almost 50 in 2011, however, police said they could not yet determine if the recovered firearms were loose or licensed.

Valerio also said the stickers placed at the gun nozzle of service firearms of his men will be inspected Wednesday, January 2, to determine if these were used during the New Year celebration.

In Iloilo City, no fatality was reported from stray bullets and firecrackers. Recovered slugs are four in La Paz district, three in Mandurriao, one in Jaro, four in the city proper and eight in Molo.

He added initial reports showed there are 69 injuries in Western Visayas from firecrackers and stray bullets. In the provinces, there are three victims of stray bullets in Iloilo, one in Aklan and one in Bacolod City.

Valerio, meanwhile, lauded the plan of City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog in holding a fireworks display for the people in a move to minimize the use of firecrackers in the barangays.