THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Kalinga admitted that there are still stores selling firecrackers despite the campaign of the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine National Police (PNP) against selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the country.
Kalinga fire chief Ramel Borja said there are still few stores which started to sell firecrackers based on their monitoring.
Borja admitted there are no ordinances banning or prohibiting any sale of firecrackers or any pyrotechnic device in the province or even in Tabuk City.
“Sa Kalinga, kahit walang ordinance, walang masyadong problema pero may mangilan-ilan pa ring nagbebenta,” Borja said.
Due to the sale in the market, BFP with the PNP, DOH and other agencies continue to remind residents of Kalinga against the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices during the New Year.
“As of this moment, ongoing ang ating paalala, there are series of public announcement sa mga barangays at nauna na sa mga schools,” Borja said.
DOH-Cordillera has recorded two injuries in Kalinga province particularly in the municipality of Balbalan from December 21, 2015 to January 5, 2016 as compared the previous year with one injury.
The region has recorded 70 injuries in 2014 which has a 10 percent decrease with 63 injuries in 2015 composed of 56 male and 7 female.
To avoid any injury, government agencies have started to encourage the public not to participate in any firecracker and pyrotechnic device activities and advised to look for any alternative materials that can make noise during the New Year.
“Sa incoming New Year, mag-ingat sa paputok para sa pagsalubong natin ng New Year ay maging maayos,” Borja ended.