THE Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health (DOH) here recorded some 11 fireworks-related incidents as of December 27.

DOH Chief Epidemiologist Jessie Fantone said this is 86 percent lower compared to the same period last year, recorded at 77.

The province of Aurora and Bataan reported one case each, followed by Bulacan with two cases. Nueva Ecija province recorded three cases while two cases were recorded in Pampanga.

Tarlac province also recorded two cases while there were no recorded cases in Zambales as of press time.

Most of the victims were males and mostly teens and young adults.

On Wednesday, the Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) released the list of prohibited firecrackers in compliance to RA No. 7183 ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31.

Included in the list are Piccolo, Super Lolo, Atomic Triangle, large Judas Belt, large Bawang, Pillbox, Bosa, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Mother Rocket, Lolo Thunder, Coke in Can, Atomic Bomb, Pla-pla, Giant Whistle Blower, Kabasi, and Watusi.

Those who will be caught using prohibited firecrackers will be penalized with either six months to one year of imprisonment, P20,000 to P30,000 cash penalty, and confiscation of firecrackers, PRO-3 reminded.

Meanwhile, police also reminded that selling of prohibited firecrackers, and selling of any type of firecrackers without necessary and valid permits is also not allowed and is punishable by law. (With Princess Clea Arcellaz)