Fear of Duterte leads to ‘remarkable’ decline in fireworks-related injuries in Philippines
Health secretary Ubial said 350 were injured by firecrackers and fireworks this year compared to a 10-year average of 1,000
Fears that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte would harshly punish revellers who celebrate the New Year with firecrackers caused a “remarkable” decline in injuries, the health minister said on Sunday.
The Philippines indulges in an annual orgy of New Year’s Eve merrymaking that leaves hundreds maimed as people set off firecrackers and fire guns in the air in a loud and raucous overnight celebration.
People are now afraid to light firecrackers because of the president. They have this impression that somehow they will get caught or they will be punished
But health secretary Paulyn Ubial said injuries during this year’s revelry were the lowest in 10 years after Duterte said he was considering repeating a ban on firecrackers which he implemented when mayor of his southern home town of Davao.
“People are now afraid to light firecrackers because of the president,” Ubial said. “They have this impression that somehow they will get caught or they will be punished.”
Ubial said 350 were injured by firecrackers and fireworks this year compared to a 10-year average of 1,000.
Duterte, 71, has drawn global criticism including from the United States and the United Nations for a war on drugs that has killed over 5,000 people.
Duterte won last year’s elections in a landslide on a promise to eradicate narcotics by killing tens of thousands of criminals. He also vowed to roll out Davao-style law and order measures nationwide, including banning smoking in restaurants and hotels and curbing drinking in public places.