Cops ordered to coordinate with DOH to avoid conflicting data on firecracker injuries

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday ordered policemen to coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) to avoid conflicting data on firecracker-related injuries.

PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos instructed police units to constantly work with the health department to synchronize data on firecracker-related injuries in their areas of jurisdiction.

“We have previous experiences that some victims aren’t reporting to the PNP, especially those with only minor injuries. The tendency is, these cases will not be recorded in our police blotter while the hospitals or the DOH has taken note of them,” Carlos said in a statement.

“Accurate numbers are important to assess the result of our campaign for a safe and orderly celebration of the New Year. It won’t hurt anything if we just double check the figures,” he added.

The PNP also backed Interior Secretary Eduardo Año's remark that it is the police's job to implement rules governing the manufacture and use of firecrackers by conducting inspections, seizing, and destroying prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

According to the PNP, violators of Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183 face fines ranging from P20,000 to P30,000, imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, cancellation of licenses and business permits, and confiscation of inventory supplies.

The Department of Health has reminded the public to welcome the New Year safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.— VBL, GMA News