Police and hospitals at the eastern portion of Metro Manila are on heightened alert in preparation for New Year revelry Thursday night.

At the Rizal Medical Center (RMC) in Pasig City, 11 victims of firecracker-related incidents were admitted despite warning from the government on the use of firecrackers.

The hospital staff refused to identify the victims. One of them is a 10-year-old child who sustained burns after lighting up a firecracker on Pineda Street this city.

The Department of Health (DoH) has launched a massive campaign to discourage the public from using firecrackers and fireworks in welcoming the New Year.

Chief Supt. Benjardi Mantele, district director, Eastern Police District, directed all chiefs of police of Mandaluyong, Pasig, Marikina and San Juan to be on alert and to deploy 75 percent of his men to the streets.

Mantele also said that they have taped the gun’s muzzles to prevent them from firing guns on New Year’s Eve. He added that policemen who would fire their guns will be charged administratively.