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1st case of hearing loss among new firecracker injuries
By J.Lo
"Fireworks can lead to hearing loss…firework explosions result in sound levels of 140-150 decibels (dB) can lead to pain and ear injury after exposure," Department of Health (DOH) warned,for comparison, sound of normal conversation is around 60 dB; sound of motorcycle is 95 dB; sirens are at 120 dB,loud noises above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to ears."
DOH recorded total of 96 cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) included first case of loss of hearing due to fireworks.
Latest FWRI Report of DOH said victim is 23-year-old woman from Central Luzon experienced hearing loss after passive exposure to kwitis (sky rocket).
"Watching community fireworks displays from safe distance is still best…if you cannot avoid exposure to fireworks and their loud sounds, use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs. ...if you notice any pain, discomfort, ringing or buzzing in your ears, talk to your doctor," health department added.
DOH said this now brings total FWRI cases to 96, with three out of every 10 cases coming from National Capital Region (NCR) to 33 or 34 percent.
Following NCR in most number of cases are Central Luzon (12 or 12 percent), Ilocos region (12 or 12 percent), Soccsksargen (6 or 6 percent), Bicol and Western Visayas (5 or 5 percent each). Ninety six percent happened at home and in the streets, mostly by males with active involvement.
Top ranking identified fireworks that cause at least seven out of every 10 (72 percent) FWRIs are boga (improvised cannon), 5-star, kwitis, piccolo, pla-pla, whistle bomb and luces.
Illegal fireworks (boga, 5-Star, piccolo, pla-pla) are to blame for about six out of every 10 cases (57 or 60 percent), DOH added.
Report noted as of 5:59 in the morning of Dec. 29, there were eight new injuries, with victims ranging from 5 to 49 years old, mostly males (7 or 88 percent). All of these new cases occurred at home and in streets.
Six or 75 percent were due to illegal fireworks, while another 6 or 75 percent more had active involvement.
Meanwhile, in Region 1, three of latest 25 firecracker-related injuries were caused by boga, while others were hit by banned pyrotechnics, according to DOH regional office.
DOH 1 Medical Officer IV Rheuel Bobis said 20 of the injuries were from Pangasinan, four and one in La Union and Ilocos Sur, respectively.
Bobis said boga victims suffered blast and burn injuries while others sustained wounds on their bodies, fingers and eyes due to unlabeled imported firecrackers.
Bobis advised in case of firecracker injuries, victims should wash wounded part with water and soap and immediately go to hospital.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. inspected fireworks stores and stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan to check for necessary permits to operate and fire protection device such as fire extinguishers, in compliance with existing requirements.
Accompanying Acorda was Chief Security Group director Maj. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr., Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Bulacan police provincial director Col. Relly Arnedo and Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando.
At press conference after inspection, Acorda emphasized PNP wanted to ensure firecrackers and pyrotechnic dealers, sellers and manufacturers comply with existing laws.
He also stated inspection is part of PNP's crackdown on sellers and manufacturers of illegal firecrackers to minimize FWRI during Christmas and New Year.
In response to reports that some dealers of prohibited firecrackers are selling their products online, Acorda said PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has intensified operations.
Acorda has directed Civil Security Group (CSG) and other police offices to intensify crackdown against people selling firecrackers without obtaining permits from PNP and other concerned government agencies, including those offering fireworks on online platforms.
Meanwhile, Hidalgo reminded public not to patronize illegal firecrackers as these could endanger lives.
He also directed all police chiefs, not only in Bulacan but entire Central Luzon, to strictly implement provisions of Republic Act 7183, ensure filing of cases against violators to attain conviction and closely monitor previously filed cases.
PNP has confirmed having recently confiscated thousands of boxes of smuggled finished pyrotechnics in Bulacan.
At press conference, PNP Firearms Explosive Office-CSG chief Brig. Gen. Lyndon Mencio said operatives confiscated in Bulacan more than 5,000 boxes of imported finished pyrotechnic devices.
Mencio did not identify who imported products and did not specify if arrest was made.
He said necessary charges were filed against those involved in illegal importation of finished imported pyrotechnic devices and confiscated products were properly disposed of, as witnessed by pyrotechnics stakeholders, local officials and members of media.
Sources claimed smuggled pyrotechnic devices were intercepted in Baliwag City.
RA 7183 or the Act Regulating Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices prohibits importation of finished pyrotechnic products into the country.
Recently, Philippine Fireworks Association president Jovenson Ong said smuggled fireworks from China have been competing with legally made fireworks. He added they have been lodging complaints about smuggled pyrotechnics, but operations continue.
He also cited that most fireworks accidents occur because of these inferior quality smuggled products, but these are somehow being blamed on legal fireworks.
On the other hand, Fernando, chairman of Bulacan Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board, reiterated his priority is safety of the people.
Fernando said during their Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, directed all local government officials including barangay officials, particularly those in towns of Bocaue and Santa Maria, to conduct house-to-house inspections after receiving reports that some residential houses are being used in manufacture of illegal firecrackers.
Safety must always come first, that is why proper control and regulation of use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices must strictly be observed, Fernando noted.
According to PNP data, some 28,754 banned firecrackers worth P244,130 were confiscated by police units nationwide during Yuletide season.
Twelve people were arrested so far for selling banned firecrackers.
Meanwhile, city government of Parañaque discouraged use of firecrackers to ensure safe and peaceful New Year celebration.
In memorandum dated Dec. 20, Mayor Eric Olivarez said order is in compliance with directives of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
"As per DILG memorandum, individuals or household use of firecrackers is discouraged and, instead, use of common household items is encouraged in celebrating holiday as well as conduct of community fireworks exhibition or displays for their constituents," memorandum read.
In allowing community fireworks displays, local government said official permits from PNP must be secured and nearest Bureau of Fire Protection notified.
It also noted that only individuals over 21 years old "with adequate knowledge" are allowed to supervise fireworks displays.
Local government also advised fireworks should be fired at least three meters away from people and must be projected upwards. First-aid fire equipment must also be readily available.
Apart from this, city government has prohibited use of firearms during New Year revelry.
Kwitis, known for its distinctive whistle sound when launched into the air, is firecracker that looks like thin rocket.
It is often launched by individuals by hand or in hanging rack after its fuse is lit.
In Dagupan, Pangasinan, four persons were injured when pile of firecrackers stored in house under construction exploded .
Reports from Pangasinan PNP provincial office identified injured victims as Rogelio Solomon, 48, and Raymundo Lazaro, 38, both residents of Barangay Malued; Jaquiline Velasco, 49, and Roan Velasco, 44, both residents of Barangay Caranglaan.
Police said four injured victims were rushed to the Region I Medical Center-Annex in Barangay Bonuan Binloc for treatment. Further reports said four nearby houses were also damaged during explosion.
Police with personnel of Bureau of Fire Protection, city disaster risk reduction and management council and Public Order and Safety Office immediately responded.
Local police is coordinating with Explosive and Ordnance Division/K9 office of the Pangasinan PNP provincial office to conduct post blast investigation.
Meanwhile, 61-year-old man was injured by exploding kwitis on Christmas Day in Zambales.
Reports reaching Hidalgo Central Luzon regional police director, identified victim as Danny Alcayde, retired US Army personnel and resident of Purok 2 Barangay Patrocinio, San Narciso, Zambales.
Initial investigation showed victim erected and lighted kwitis on sand in their place failed to shoot up and instead exploded on ground.
Explosion caused splinter of kwitis stick to pierce victim's left arm, causing minor injury. He was treated at San Marcelino District Hospital.
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