NCRPO aims for zero indiscriminate firing incidents

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is pushing for zero incidents of indiscriminate firing among police officers during the coming New Year revelry, an official said yesterday.

Cops on full alert amidst new year revelry

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Nicanor Bartolome said he has ordered his men to look out for incidents of indiscriminate firing of guns this New Year and to help prevent injuries from illegal fireworks.

Street party for Bangkal residents sans firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - A street party and New Year countdown is being organized in Barangay Bangkal in Makati City to make Friday night’s celebrations more cheerful for the residents who have been banned from using firecrackers.

747 firecracker zones sa MM

747 firecracker zones sa MM
Ni Danilo Garcia (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
Updated December 31, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - May 747 “firecracker zones” ang itinatag ng National Ca­pital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) at mga lokal na pa­mahalaan sa buong Metro Manila.

Ngunit nangangamba si NCRPO Director Nicanor Bartolome na baka walang sapat na bilang ng mga ambulansya sa naturang mga firecracker zones na maghahatid sa mga biktima ng paputok sa mga pagamutan kaya patuloy ang panawagan nito sa pag-iingat sa paghawak ng anumang uri ng paputok.

“Baka di mapunuan yan kasi 747 ang firecracker zones sa Metro Manila pa lang. Ang malaking area mas mataas ang risk. Pati ambulance, yan ang sabi natin, dapat may naka­antabay kahit di one ambulance per zone, but at least accessible at makakarating kung may kailangan,” ani Bartolome.

Muli rin namang nanawagan si Bartolome sa publiko na makipagtulungan sa pulisya sa kampanya laban sa iligal na pagpapaputok ng baril ng pulis man o sibil­yan. Kailangan umano ng pulisya ng tulong ng publiko upang maparusahan ang mga lumalabag sa batas sa pamamagitan ng pagkontak sa hotline ni PNP chief, Director General Raul Bacalzo na 0917-8475757.

Sa naturang bilang ng firecracker zones, may 271 nito ang nasa lungsod ng Maynila. Nararapat umano na maluwag ang lugar, maayos ang bentilasyon, malayo sa kabahayan at may nakaantabay na trak ng bumbero at ambulansya.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=643917&publicationSubCategoryId=93

Cops: Ambulances not enough for Metro Manila's 747 firecracker zones

Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome reminded the public to be cautious in using firecrackers as there are not enough ambulances for some 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila for the New Year's Day revelry.

“Baka di mapunuan yan kasi 747 ang firecracker zones sa Metro Manila pa lang. Ang malaking area mas mataas ang risk. Pati ambulance, yan ang sabi natin, dapat may nakaantabay kahit di one ambulance per zone, but at least accessible at makakarating kung may kailangan," Bartolome said in an interview on dzRH radio on Thursday.

(There may not be enough ambulances for each of the 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila. If this is so, residents in the bigger zones will be at greater risk. We are exploring ways to make sure that even if we cannot have one ambulance per zone, the ambulances serving more than one zone will at least be accessible and can respond quickly.)

Bartolome also reiterated his appeal to the public to contact the Philippine National Police to report abuses or incidents related to the New Year revelry.

He said concerned citizens can contact the PNP through PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo’s hotline at 0917 847-5757.

“Habang ang pulis at ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan naghahanda at nagbibigay ng seguridad sa Metro Manila, ang ating hinihingi sa ating kababayan kaunting vigilance. Pag may napansin... maaring i-report sa ating pulis," he said.

(While the police and other government agencies secure Metro Manila, we appeal to the public for vigilance. If you notice something suspicious, report it to our policemen.)

Firecracker zones

Bartolome said the police had coordinated with local government units in Metro Manila to establish some 747 firecracker zones.

Bartolome said out of the 747 firecracker zones, 271 are in Manila alone.

The zones, the areas where the lighting of firecrackers is allowed, were set up to discourage residents from lighting firecrackers inside or near their homes.

“Dapat maluwag ang area, well-ventilated, malayo sa kabahayan at accessible. May fire trucks near the firecracker zones," he said.

(The areas should be open, well-ventilated, and far from residential areas but accessible. Fire trucks should be placed near the firecracker zones.)

Illegal firecrackers destroyed

Bartolome said he has ordered the destruction of illegal fireworks seized from vendors in past days.

He said the illegal fireworks will be destroyed on Thursday afternoon so that they could no longer pose a threat to the public and the police facilities where the seized fireworks are kept.

“Sisirain natin mamaya after lunch ang nakumpiska na, para di magamit o mag-pose ng danger sa opisina dahil doon for now nakatambak ang nakumpiska nila," he said.

(We plan to destroy the fireworks after lunch, so they will not pose a danger to the police facilities where they are being kept.) – VVP, GMANews.TV

Cops: Ambulances not enough for Metro Manila's 747 firecracker zones

Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome reminded the public to be cautious in using firecrackers as there are not enough ambulances for some 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila for the New Year's Day revelry.

“Baka di mapunuan yan kasi 747 ang firecracker zones sa Metro Manila pa lang. Ang malaking area mas mataas ang risk. Pati ambulance, yan ang sabi natin, dapat may nakaantabay kahit di one ambulance per zone, but at least accessible at makakarating kung may kailangan," Bartolome said in an interview on dzRH radio on Thursday.

(There may not be enough ambulances for each of the 747 firecracker zones in Metro Manila. If this is so, residents in the bigger zones will be at greater risk. We are exploring ways to make sure that even if we cannot have one ambulance per zone, the ambulances serving more than one zone will at least be accessible and can respond quickly.)

Bartolome also reiterated his appeal to the public to contact the Philippine National Police to report abuses or incidents related to the New Year revelry.

He said concerned citizens can contact the PNP through PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo’s hotline at 0917 847-5757.

“Habang ang pulis at ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan naghahanda at nagbibigay ng seguridad sa Metro Manila, ang ating hinihingi sa ating kababayan kaunting vigilance. Pag may napansin... maaring i-report sa ating pulis," he said.

(While the police and other government agencies secure Metro Manila, we appeal to the public for vigilance. If you notice something suspicious, report it to our policemen.)

Firecracker zones

Bartolome said the police had coordinated with local government units in Metro Manila to establish some 747 firecracker zones.

Bartolome said out of the 747 firecracker zones, 271 are in Manila alone.

The zones, the areas where the lighting of firecrackers is allowed, were set up to discourage residents from lighting firecrackers inside or near their homes.

“Dapat maluwag ang area, well-ventilated, malayo sa kabahayan at accessible. May fire trucks near the firecracker zones," he said.

(The areas should be open, well-ventilated, and far from residential areas but accessible. Fire trucks should be placed near the firecracker zones.)

Illegal firecrackers destroyed

Bartolome said he has ordered the destruction of illegal fireworks seized from vendors in past days.

He said the illegal fireworks will be destroyed on Thursday afternoon so that they could no longer pose a threat to the public and the police facilities where the seized fireworks are kept.

“Sisirain natin mamaya after lunch ang nakumpiska na, para di magamit o mag-pose ng danger sa opisina dahil doon for now nakatambak ang nakumpiska nila," he said.

(We plan to destroy the fireworks after lunch, so they will not pose a danger to the police facilities where they are being kept.) – VVP, GMANews.TV

First aid tips on 'cracker injuries

AS hospitals gear up for the rash of firecracker-fireworks-related injuries from the coming New Year revelry, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday gave first-aid tips for firecracker blast burns as well as poisoning.

Dr. Eric Tayag, head of the DOH-National Epidemiology Center (NEC), said first degree burns should be immediately be run through water or soaked in iced water before drying these up and wrapped in gauze.

"If there‘s bleeding, put pressure on the wound directly para matigil ang bleeding then i-elevate ang arm na affected kasi pwedeng himatayin ang bata," said Tayag.

He said burns with phosphorus should first be wiped before they are run though water.

In cases of poisoning due to firecracker ingestion, Tayag advised that the victim be fed with five raw eggs so as to coat the gastrointestinal tract to prevent the chemical from sticking to the stomach.

"Dalhin sa ospital kase doon pwede magbigay ng antidote (for poisoning)," he said.

The DOH has placed all government-run hospitals under Code White Alert in order to ensure the preparedness of hospital personnel, equipment, medicines and facilities.

Meanwhile, the number of those injured by firecrackers and stray bullets reached 201 from the period of December 21 to 28.

"One hundred and eighty-nine (94 percent) were due to fireworks, seven (4 percent) to stray-bullets and five (2 percent) to fireworks ingestion," the December 29 Kampanya Kontra Paputok 2010 Injury Surveillance Report showed.

Ninety-six cases or 48 percent were caused by the illegal firecracker piccolo followed by "kwitis" (18), five-star (15), whistle bomb (9), "boga" (9), and triangle (7).

One hundred and twenty-three or 65 percent of those injured were active users or directly handled firecrackers while another 24 got injured while under the influence of alcohol. Fireworks ingestion remained at five. – Gerard Naval

Source: http://www.malaya.com.ph/12302010/news8.html

DOH: Hospitals ready for New Year emergencies

With less than 24 hours before the New Year, Health Secretary Enrique Ona declared government hospitals in Metro Manila ready to deal with emergencies from the New Year revelry.

But Ona said the next 12 hours will be critical as this is usually the time the bulk of casualties are brought to the hospitals for treatment.

“I am now double-checking the hospitals. They are ready. But the next 12 hours will be critical as this is the time the bulk of cases come in," he said in an interview aired on dzBB.

He described medical personnel and equipment, including specialists, as “very, very complete" and “all ready."

“Kumpleto tayo sa gamot, sa duktor at sa supplies (We are complete in terms of medicines, doctors and supplies)," he said.

But he also made a last-minute appeal to the public not to light firecrackers or burn tires to welcome the New Year.

“Burning tires in particular can be very toxic," he said.

Ona kicked off his inspections at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and Tondo Medical Center in Manila. With him was Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

As of early Friday, the Health Department’s casualty count had risen to 245, including nine victims of stray bullets. — LBG, GMANews.TV

DOH: Firecracker injuries now at 173, may hit 1K by January 1

With 173 people having been hurt in "firecracker-related" incidents since last week, the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned the figures could reach 1,000 during New Year's Day revelry.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the DOH has so far recorded 173 firecracker-related injuries since the agency started with its "Oplan Iwas Paputok" campaign on December 21.

He said 83 people or almost half of the victims (48 percent) were injured by “piccolo" firecracker. Fifteen people were hurt by a "kwitis," 15 by a "whistle bomb," 15 by "boga," and seven by a "trianggulo."

Of the victims, six were hit by stray bullets while five ingested "watusi."

Ona said this year's figures are lower than the ones in the same period last year. However, the Health secretary stressed that injuries were still highest among children (43 percent), particularly 15 years old or younger.

In Quezon City, 12 firecracker-related injuries were recorded. The city had set up 142 "firecracker zones" or designated areas where firecrackers could be exploded.

"I think it's very important for the families during this period [to be safe]. Kasi instead na masaya ay papasukan lang ng isang aksidente na makakaapekto hindi lang sa kanilang anak o kaibigan kundi sa kanilang buong pamilya," Ona said.

While the DOH is encouraging people to welcome the New Year not with firecrackers but with other noise-making devices, Ona still warned revelers to take extra precaution when using horns.

In the same press conference, Ona revealed that at least two children were hospitalized in Manila after accidentally swallowing the horn's whistle. He did not elaborate on the current condition of the kids.

By the rate of the recorded fireworks casualties from December 21 to December 27, Ona predicted that the figures could reach 900 to 1,000 by New Year’s Day.

In 2009, the DOH recorded 870 firecracker-related injuries, 35 stray bullet-injuries, and two watusi ingestions.

Meanwhile, Don't use firecrackers during the holidays if you don't want to spend New Year festivities in the hospital.

Meanwhile, Malacañang seconded the DOH warning by emphasizing that firecracker use during the New Year festivities may land people in the hospital.

"Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag na po tayo magpapaputok kasi mahirap naman po na bagong taon sa ospital tayo papasok," said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in an interview with Palace reporters on Tuesday.

(To our countrymen, please stop using firecrackers because it's difficult to spend the new year in the hospital.)

Valte urged parents to closely watch their children during the festivities to keep them away from harmful firecrackers.

This year, the government has been encouraging revelers to do away with firecrackers being exploded on the ground. Instead, the Philippine National Police said "aerial fireworks" would be safer and better. [See related article: Cops pushing for alternative to firecrackers...]

The firecrackers the PNP banned in 2007 and still prohibited are: Lolo Thunder; Super Lolo; Bawang (large); Pla-pla; Watusi; Kwiton; Giant Whistle; Judas Belt (large); Og; and Atomic Bomb. — With Jam L. Sisante/LBG/JV, GMANews.TV

NCRPO aims for a zero firing incidents during New Year

By Non Alquitran (philstar.com)
Updated December 27, 2010 04:55 PM Comments (2) View comments

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) is pushing for a zero incidents of indiscriminate firing among policemen during the coming New Year revelry.

To help attain their goal, NCRPO chief Director Nicanor Bartolome started sealing the muzzle of handguns and long firearms issued to policemen in Metro Manila to prevent the weapons from being fired in the New Year celebration.

Using a masking tape, Bartolome sealed the muzzles of firearms of elements of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), Regional Headquarters Support Group (RHSG) and Regional Police Intelligence and Operating Unit (RPIOU) during simple ceremonies at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Bartolome’s five district directors also made rounds of police stations in their jurisdictions to do the same exercise with the weapons of their men.

“Gen. Bartolome wanted a zero incidents of indiscriminate firing in Metro Manila so he was busy making the rounds of police stations in the metropolis to see to it that the taping of muzzles of firearms of policemen are religiously being carried out,” said Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, NCRPO spokesman.

The NCRPO recorded at least three incidents of indiscriminate firing involving policemen during the 2010 New Year revelry, Carlos said.

The NCRPO director would make rounds of the 16 cities and a municipality in Metro Manila today to inspect the designated firecrackers zones, which should be located in a secluded area to prevent firecracker blast casualties.

Earlier, Bartolome barred Metro policemen from playing with firecrackers to set an example among Metro Manilans not to use illegal firecrackers to welcome the New Year.

Carlos also urged the 12 million Metro Manilans to use legal firecrackers only to contribute to the DOH goal of lesser firecracker blast victims for the year 2011.


Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=643072&publicationSubCategoryId=200