Jeric Paul Suarez from Tondo, Manila, was the seventh victim of the firecracker known as “piccolo” since December 21, according to DOH records.
“Hindi na po [ako magpapaputok]. Delikado,” Suarez said timidly in a report on GMA 7’s “24 Oras”.
The DOH has so far recorded 13 cases of firecracker-related injuries, an increase from the nine cases recorded in the same period last year.
Also, according to the DOH’s records, 27 percent of all firecracker-related injuries in 2012 came from piccolos. Despite its dangerous record, it remains popular being the firecracker of choice in the face of a general decrease in the use of fireworks in the country.
Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag hopes that the recent spate of natural disasters – typhoon Yolanda, the Cebu-Bohol earthquake – will discourage people from spending on fireworks.
“Dahil dun sa sunod-sunod na unos natin, maraming nagsabi na parang toned down ang pag-celebrate natin ng pasko. Subalit nagkaroon ng parang turning point nitong weekend. Sumigla ang pamimili ng mga tao,” said a dismayed Tayag.
The undersecretary is thus fully supportive of Davao City’s anti-fireworks policy, which bans both legal and illegal fireworks.
“Mga ilegal katulad ng piccolo, fly-by-night, ‘di maganda ang kaledad, malamang sa hindi, disgrasya resulta niyan,” said Tayag. — Rie Takumi/DVM, GMA News
