BFP patrols residential areas to ensure compliance to firecracker rules —spox

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has been conducting patrol around residential areas to check the compliance of the residents to the regulations on firecrackers, its spokesperson said on Thursday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, BFP spokesperson Fire Superintendent Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said they started the Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan on Wednesday, which includes regular rounds.

“Pipilitin po natin na masuyod po talaga lahat ito at full force naman po ang ating operations sa pag-ikot gabi-gabi (We will try to cover all areas and our patrol operations are full force every night)," she said.

She added barangay officers join BFP personnel in conducting the patrol operations.

After inspections on firecracker stores, Atienza said sellers have been compliant so far with the regulations.

Last year, she said no fire incident related to firecrackers was reported. According to her, the ordinances of local governments discouraging the use of firecrackers helped in ensuring the safety of the public.

As of Thursday, the Department of Health reported 26 firecracker-related injuries involving boga, five star, piccolo, triangle, whistle bomb, baby rocket, kwitis, and other unlabeled or imported firecrackers.

These victims sustained hand, head, eye, neck, chest, thigh, and foot injuries.

The incidents were reported from Western Visayas, Ilocos, Bangsamoro, National Capital Region, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Bicol, and Soccsksargen.—AOL, GMA News