Philippines mulls total firecracker ban after 11-month-old baby among hundreds hurt in bloody New Year revelry
Health Secretary said most injuries occurred in Manila, with illegal matchstick-sized ‘piccolo’ firecrackers remaining the top cause
Nearly 200 people were injured during traditionally raucous New Year celebrations in the Philippines despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s order limiting the use of firecrackers, the health minister said Monday.
The order signed in June restricted the noisy explosives to community fireworks displays in an attempt to curb the bloody merrymaking that leaves scores of Filipinos dead or injured each year.
The Philippines is mainly Catholic but the violent New Year festivities draw on ancient superstitions and Chinese traditions, with people firing guns and setting off powerful fireworks in the belief the bangs will drive away bad spirits.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque said 191 people were hurt during the 2018 revelry – down 77 per cent compared to the average over the past five years – but added his department might recommend a total firecracker ban to ensure zero casualties.
“We are relatively pleased -relative because there are still injuries but pleased because of the substantial reduction in fireworks-related injuries,” Duque told reporters as he thanked Duterte for issuing the order.
Asked how to further minimise injuries, Duque said: “I think the end goal really is to ban fireworks completely.”