The concerned government agencies will strictly implement Republic Act No. 7183 that regulates the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will seal the barrels of their personnel’s service pistols and urge private gun owners to welcome 2010 without firing their guns to avoid hurting or killing innocent revelers.

The Department of Health (DoH) launched with rigor Fourmula Kontra Paputok, its campaign to prevent injuries resulting from the use and mishandling of pyrotechnics.

The first Fourmula is “Say No to Firecrackers.” In place of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use drums, tin cans, torotot, and toy cymbals, among others, to create
loud noises.

The second measure advises victims to immediately wash their wounds with clean water and mild soap, and have themselves taken to the nearest health care facility for proper treatment as firecrackers are considered “very dirty” and “poisonous.”

The third measure dissuades the public from picking up firecrackers that may have failed to explode (nagmintis) because these are likely to explode in the picker’s hand or face. Firecrackers that do not explode should be doused with water. The fourth measure strongly discourages the indiscriminate firing of guns.

Perhaps on top of the four measures, we could add two more. One is to urge households to use their hard-earned money for the purchase of food to be shared by the family instead of spending them on firecrackers. The other is to urge the family to watch the fireworks at public places. In this manner, we shall significantly contribute toward achieving zero-injury from firecrackers this year.

Let us all have a happy, meaningful, and safe holiday celebration.