How do we substantially lower, if
not totally eliminate our yearly - like clockwork - fireworks-related injuries?
It has been difficult to appeal to people’s common sense even after years of
graphic reports of exploded limbs, faces and fatalities. People continue lighting fireworks knowing they
can accidentally light themselves up in the process.
The government must (be made to)
take action. Lobbying senators and house
representatives to amend or enact new laws have proven ineffective so far. It’s time to expect more from our local
authorities.
Consider that the Department of
Health (DOH) reported a 17% decrease of fireworks-related injuries nationwide while
there were 0 injuries reported in Davao
city.[1] Consider
too that there were 106 people reportedly arrested in Davao City
“for trying to use fireworks”.[2]
What makes Davao City
have an enviable record? It has a 12-year old total firecracker ban under City
Ordinance No. 060-02 Series of 2002 (An Ordinance Prohibiting The Manufacture,
Sale, Distribution, Possession Or Use Of Fire Crackers Or Pyrotechnic Devices
And Such Other Similar Devices And The Exploding Of Firecrackers Or
Other Similar Explosives Within The Territorial Jurisdiction Of Davao City)[3] substantial
provisions of which read as follows:
“SECTION 1. PURPOSE
OF THIS ORDINANCE. – It is the purpose of this Ordinance to prohibit the
manufacture, sale, distribution, possession and use of firecrackers or
pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of
firecrackers and other explosives, within Davao City
in furtherance of public safely, peace, order and security of the community.
SECTION 2.
PROHIBITED ACTS. – (a) It shall be unlawful for any person or business
establishment to manufacture, sell or offer sale, distribute, possess or use
any firecracker or pyrotechnic devices or such other similar devices within the
territory of Davao City;
SECTION 3. PENALTIES.
– Violation
of any of the provision of Section 2 of this Ordinance shall be penalized as
follows:
A.) For
the first offenses, a fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) or imprisonment of
not more that One (1) month but not less than twenty (20) days, or both fine
and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court;
B.) For
the second offense, a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) or imprisonment
of not more than Three (3) months but not less than One (1) month, or both fine
and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.
C.) For
the third offense, a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of
not more than Six (6) months but not less Three (3) months, or fine and
imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.
If the
violation is committed by a business establishment, the President of General
Manager other person, acting in behalf of either the President or General
Manager shall be held liable in the case of a corporation or partnership, or
the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held
responsible in the case of a single proprietorship.
In
addition to the foregoing penalties, the business permit of the business
establishment shall be cancelled by the City Mayor upon the commission of the
third offense.”
Bulacan will surely complain
about the decline of their fireworks industry. But, unless they provide
warranties regarding the safety of their products or at the very least put up a
bond to cover all damages for fireworks-related injuries and deaths, they have no
right to complain. Public interest overrides business interest especially if
the business often leads to damage, harm and death.
We celebrate the coming of the
new year through other ways: parties, binge-eating, horns, to name a few. The company of family and friends should be
enough. Explosive devises which can maim, and may lead to the death of, our
family and friends (especially the littlest among us) have no place in any celebration.
Finally, a total ban on fireworks
(including guns) will surely help us pinpoint who, in the neighborhood, fired a
gun. With a relative explosion-free
neighborhood, it would not be so easy to fire a gun knowing the gunfire can
easily be heard. Initial reports show that there were 40 people hit by stray
bullets[4], 2
of whom – young children – died. Had we
followed Davao City’s lead, 4-year old Ranjelo Nemor[5]
and 7-year old Stephanie Nicole Ella[6],
who were hit and killed by stray bullets during the New Year’s celebrations,
might still be alive today. We should
put our foot down on any type of revelry that endangers lives. These children are
not the first to have died from stray bullets while merely watching New Year’s
celebrations, but it is our burden to ensure they are the last.
[1] Tubeza, P. (2013, January 2). Doh: 'crackers
toll falls by 17%; zero injuries in davao
city". Retrieved from http://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/010213-0010.pdf
[2] G, K. (2013, January 01). 106 arrested for
using fireworks to welcome new year in davao.
Retrieved from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/288374/news/regions/106-arrested-for-using-fireworks-to-welcome-new-year-in-davao
[4] Stray
bullets from irresponsible new year revelers have hurt at least 40. (2013,
January 2). Retrieved from http://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/52618/stray-bullets-from-irresponsible-new-year-revelers-have-hurt-at-least-40
[5] Stray bullet kills 4-year-old on new
year's eve. (2013, January 1). Retrieved from http://www.rappler.com/nation/18919-stray-bullet-kills-4-yr-old-on-new-year-s-eve
[6] Elona, J. M. (2013, January 2). 7-year-old
girl hit by stray bullet dies. Retrieved from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/333839/girl-hit-by-stray-bullet-dies
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