Filipinos told to refrain from indiscriminately firing guns during New Year celebrations
Malacañang on Tuesday urged the public to refrain from firing firearms indiscriminately, as well as using illegal firecrackers as the country welcomes the New Year.
In a press briefing at the Palace, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said they received a report about a nine-year-old girl who was hit by a stray bullet while playing in Bulacan.
The victim was brought to the East Avenue Medical Center but did not survive due to extensive internal injuries, he said.
“Buo ang determinasyon ng DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), PNP (Philippine National Police), at lahat ng law enforcement agencies na tutukan nang husto ang sitwasyon para mapigil ang indiscriminate firing or unauthorized use of firearms,” Secretary Coloma said.
The Palace official also called on the public to avoid setting off illegal firecrackers to prevent injuries or deaths during the New Year celebration.
“Pangalawa naman, ang paggamit ng mga mapanganib at ilegal na mga paputok na kung ano-anong mga pangalan ang ibinibigay para magkaroon ng maskara na ito ay hindi nakamamatay, ay dapat maging mulat at handa ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.
“Marami namang alternatibong paraan ng pagdiriwang na hindi maghahatid ng panganib sa atin. Kaya ito ang ating panawagan na maging ligtas ang pagdiriwang ng Bagong Taon.”
Malacañang has suggested alternative noisemakers that would enable the public to celebrate the New Year safely, instead of using the traditional fun but dangerous firecrackers.
Coloma has recently issued a statement in support of the Department of Health’s (DOH) annual campaign against pyrotechnic materials.
The DOH has released the slogan “Tetano ay Nakamamatay, Huwag Pasaway, Sa Paputok May Goodbye” to discourage the public from setting off firecrackers and other explosive devices as these often cause serious injuries that even lead to death. (PNA)
