MANILA -- Malacanang on Sunday expressed disappointment on the rise of firecracker-related incidents on this year's Christmas and New Year revelries.
Presidential Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang said the New Year's Eve reminder of President Benigno Aquino III seemed to have no effect on the public.
"Nanawagan na nga si Pangulo at nakita naman natin na base doon sa mga news report na dumami pa ‘yung nasaktan dahil sa mga firecrackers," noted Carandang.
A day before the New Year, Aquino called on the parents to discourage their children from using firecrackers.
However, about 43 percent of the 546 injuries were children 10 years old and below.
The Department of Health reported that 103 persons died due to firecracker incidents, six to violent fights and one to stray bullet.(Jill Beltran/Sunnex)