By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) hinted there could be problems with the implementation of the regulations on the selling and use of firecrackers in Negros Occidental, after the province recorded a high number of firecracker-related injuries.

PHO head Dr. Ernell Tumimbang said they do not know if the firecrackers being sold during the holiday season are regulated or illegal.

“There may be firecrackers sold without the knowledge of the authorities,” Tumimbang said.

There is a need to review the regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers, and law enforcement should be stricter in implementing those regulations, he added.

He also said that health authorities just focus on treating the injuries for whatever that is.

“We are also helping in advocacy,” Tumimbang said.

Meanwhile, the PHO recorded 63 firecracker-related injuries as of yesterday, a bit higher compared to the data presented by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.

Of the total number of cases, 42 are considered active firecracker users, while 21 are passive cases.

The youngest firecracker victim was a one-year-old, while the eldest was a 50-year-old.

Aged one to 10 years old made up the majority with 42.9 percent.

Negros Occidental has the highest number of firecracker-related injuries in Western Visayas, the Department of Health said./DGB, WDJ