By CESAR JOLITO III
Days before New Year’s Eve, authorities reported two separate firecracker-related cases on Sunday, December 28, in Negros Occidental towns of Valladolid and E.B. Magalona, involving an illegal sale of firecrackers and a firecracker-related injury to a minor.
Valladolid police apprehended a 59-year-old store owner for selling firecrackers outside the designated zones at 11:21 a.m. at Purok Mainuswagon in Valladolid’s Barangay Sagua Banua.
The suspect, identified as alias “Nemong,” a resident of the same barangay, was arrested for violating Municipal Ordinance No. 9, also known as the firecracker and pyrotechnic devices ordinance, particularly the provision prohibiting the sale of firecrackers outside designated areas.
Confiscated from her possession were 50 pieces of triangle firecrackers, 26 whistle bombs, five shotgun-type firecrackers, and 30 candle bombs, with an estimated total value of P1,200.
The seized items were placed under police custody.
The apprehended individual opted to pay the corresponding fines.
Blast
In a separate incident in E.B. Magalona, an eight-year-old boy sustained an injury after being hit by a pebble caused by a firecracker blast at Barangay Alacaygan’s Hacienda Alacaygan, at 10:30 a.m.
The child was immediately brought to the emergency room of Kaayong Lawas in Victorias City and later referred to Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City for further treatment.
The victim was treated and sent home after receiving medication.
Police reminded the public to strictly observe local ordinances regulating the sale and use of firecrackers and urged parents and guardians to closely supervise children to avoid firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season.
Meanwhile, a 10-year-old boy was injured in a separate firecracker-related incident in Bago City.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office showed that the boy was injured at 8:56 p.m. on December 26 in Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Tabunan.
Police said the child was playing with his grandmother’s Santa hat, which unknowingly contained firecracker powder placed inside.
While rotating the hat, the powder ignited and exploded.
The victim sustained injuries to his left hand and was immediately taken to a hospital in Bago City for medical treatment.
Police reminded parents and guardians to keep firecracker materials and other hazardous items out of children’s reach, especially during the holiday season./CJ, WDJ