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.

"Ang kapulisan natin will be on full alert to implement ang mga bawal dito at i-safeguard ang kababayan natin para maiwasan ang anumang injury (na mangyayari) ngayong gabi (Our police personnel will be on full alert to implement the ban on illegal firecrackers and to safeguard the public, to minimize revelry-related injuries)," he said at a press briefing at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

He said he also ordered his district directors to be on the lookout for incidents of indiscriminate firing of guns and stray bullets.

Despite repeated warnings from authorities, Filipinos are expected to light firecrackers to welcome the New Year.

For his part, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the next 12 hours will be critical as the bulk of revelry-related injuries are expected to come in at that time.

"I'd expect 800 to 1,000 injuries sa buong kapuluan (I'd expect 800 to 1000 injuries nationwide)," he said. — TJD, GMANews.TV