BAGUIO City is hoping to replicate its zero fireworks-related injuries during the Christmas and New Year celebration.

Baguio City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Head and Dr. Donnabel Tubera encouraged the public to view the various fireworks display in various areas instead of lighting firecrackers.

“We see this an effective measure to decrease the possible injuries. Secondly, there were a lot of fireworks display sponsored by the private sector in the city last year, which is why we encourage everyone to sustain this for us to retain a zero injury in Baguio,” Tubera said.

Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) recorded zero injury from firecrackers and indiscriminate firing during the New Year’s Eve revelry as confirmed by the January 1, 2019 report of the Department of Health (DOH)-Cordillera.

It took the city five to six years to achieve a zero firecracker related injuries casualty.

“I hope we can sustain a zero injury for this coming season,” Tubera added.

The surveillance of firecracker related injury starts December 21 to January 5, 2020.

Meanwhile, BCPO Police Community Relation Office and Public Information Officer Police Lieutenant Colonel Radino Belly assured the strict implementation on use, sale and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the city.

“Our mayor have previously given a directive to strictly implement the ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the city and encourage the public to view the fireworks display in common areas sponsored by the city.

“In December 17, 2017, there was a case of confiscation of illegal firecrackers at the Baguio City Public Market which was filed in court including the confiscation of about P9,940 worth of illegal firecrackers in 2018,” Belly said.