Firecrackers: nearly 200 others injured in the night of New Year in the Philippines

AFP

AFP

Monday, 1 January, 2018 01:53

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Monday, 1 January, 2018 01:53

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PHILIPPINES | Nearly 200 people were injured during the traditional celebrations the wild New Year’s in the Philippines despite a presidential directive aimed at restricting the use of firecrackers.

The archipelago is a very large catholic majority, but because of superstitions and ancient traditions of the chinese, many Filipinos are convinced that a maximum of noise during the celebrations of the end of the year to ward off evil spirits. Where a massive use of fireworks, firecrackers and gunfire, learned in theory in the air.

The president Rodrigo Duterte signed in June an order stating that the firecrackers could only be used in the areas designated to this effect by the local authorities, and under the supervision of trained people.

According to the minister of Health Francisco Duque, 191 people were injured, including a baby of 11 months, a figure which is down 77 % compared to the average of the last five years.

“We are relatively happy. Relatively because there are always injured, but happy because we are witnessing a substantial decrease in the number of wounded”, he told the press. “I believe that the ultimate goal is to abolish completely the firecrackers”.

Mr. Duque explained that most of the injured had been in the streets of Manila. The “piccolos”, firecrackers illegal of the size of matchsticks, are the most responsible.