MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Officials are once again urging the public to refrain from unauthorized storage and use of firecrackers to welcome the New Year, citing 11 firecracker-related incidents in the Ilocos Region between Dec. 21 and 26 this year.
The most recent incident took place on Christmas Day night in Barangay Malued, Dagupan City, where an unauthorized storage of firecrackers resulted in an explosion, injuring five individuals and causing damage to 21 houses, as reported by Capt. Renante dela Cruz, the public relations officer of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO).
Dela Cruz emphasized that even personal use is prohibited, citing Executive Order (EO) 28 signed in 2017, which permits storage only by authorized individuals in designated areas. In an interview on Wednesday, he stated, “Even if it is just for personal use, it is not allowed to store firecrackers because according to EO 28 signed in 2017, only authorized persons and areas would be allowed for storage.”
The explosion occurred at a house under construction in Barangay Malued during a drinking session when one of the victims lit a cigarette.
Initial investigations by the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection Dagupan City revealed that the explosion damaged 21 houses, shattering window glasses and other parts of the structures. Authorities are currently probing who is responsible for illegally storing the firecrackers.
Dr. Rheuel Bobis, the medical officer of the Department of Health Center for Health Development Ilocos Region, reported seven additional firecracker-related incidents in Pangasinan, three in La Union, and one in Ilocos Sur. The 11 victims suffered burns and eye injuries, according to Bobis.
Both Bobis and Dela Cruz urged parents and guardians to supervise their children during the holiday festivities. Bobis said, “We should not be giving any kind of
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