By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported six firecracker-related injuries as of yesterday morning.

Dr. Jessica Fama, PHO medical specialist, said Bago City has two cases, while the cities of Bacolod and Sagay, and the towns of Binalbagan and Hinigaran recorded one each.

Fama said firecracker injuries in the province remain low, and they are hoping to see the same numbers during the New Year’s Day celebrations.

She said the Department of Health has been encouraging everyone that they should find other ways of making noise, such as banging of empty pots, instead of using firecrackers, pointing out that they are becoming expensive.

The PHO official also encouraged families to attend organized fireworks displays hosted by local government units./DGB, WDJ