At least 21 people were reported injured due to firecrackers this year, based on records released by both the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) yesterday.

NOPPO spokesperson, Police Inspector Charmae De Paz, said they recorded a total 17 injuries throughout Negros Occidental, as compared to 66 last year.

De Paz noted most of the injured were either minors or those reported to be drunk.

All injuries were recorded outside of firecracker display zones.

Of the 17 injured, three required amputations, while three remain hospitalized.

NOPPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., noted the reduction in the number of firecracker-related injuries was due to the strict implementation of Executive Order No. 28, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, along with the ‘Iwas Paputok’ program of the government.

He also said rains, brought on by the combination of a cold front and Tropical Depression Agaton, contributed to the drop in firecracker injuries.

Meanwhile, BCPO spokesperson, Police Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, said they also recorded a drop in firecracker-related injuries in Bacolod City with four recorded this year, as compared to 15 last year.

Vargas noted the drop in firecracker injuries was due to their active information dissemination and close coordination with the city government and members of the local media./DGB, WDJ