PNP: Firecracker-related injuries now 47

A total of 47 cases of firecracker and pyrotechnic-related injuries have been monitored across the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

Based on the PNP data from December 16 to 26, most of the firecracker-related injuries were reported in Central Visayas with 13, followed by Soccsksargen with seven and Metro Manila with six.

Five cases were reported each in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region, four in Ilocos Region, two each in Calabarzon and Western Visayas, and once each in Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, and Negros Island Region.

The PNP conducted 336 operations against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, resulting in the confiscation of thousands of these items in different regions:

• Metro Manila - 62,700
• Ilocos Region - 4,830
• Cagayan Valley - 37,253
• Central Luzon - 20,000
• Calabarzon -  140,140
• Mimaropa - 1,100
• Bicol - 9,570
• Western Visayas - 10,190
• Central Visayas - 9,000
• Eastern Visayas - 7,740
• Zamboanga Peninsula -  506,360
• Northern Mindanao - 21,535
• Soccsksargen - 65,772
• Cordillera Administrative Region - 26,915

A total of 23 people were arrested due to illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics, according to the PNP.

Earlier, the PNP warned the public against prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices including watusi, poppup, pla-pla, piccolo, five star, among others. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News