Deadly Firecrackers Welcomed 2010

Just like in the previous years, the use of firecrackers is one of the major means that the people of the Philippines used to welcome the advent of 2010. Because of this, firecracker related injuries were the leading medical cases in hospitals in the urban centers around the country like Metro Manila.

Some of the firecrackers available in the market

Driving Away Bad Luck

The use of firecrackers to usher in the new year is believed to drive away bad luck and bad spirits. This belief stemmed from a superstition that loud noises are hated by bad spirits, hence making them go away. Firecrackers, being the best source of noise, are the best tools in sending bad spirits away.

Firecrackers in the Philippines are either made locally, mainly form the town of Bocaue in the province of Bulacan, or imported from China. Firecrackers that are available in the market vary in size, shape, and power. The most powerful and destructive firecrackers available in the market are aptly named as “Bin Laden” and “Goodbye Philippines.”

As of the latest count, three persons died and about 800 people were injured due to firecrackers. It is expected that these numbers will still rise because there are still remaining stocks of firecrackers being sold by street vendors.

Piccolo Leads the Way

The Piccolo is the firecracker that caused the most numbers of injuries during the New Year’s Day celebration. Piccolo is shaped like and is ignited like a matchstick. Supposedly, this firecracker is safe enough to be held even while it is exploding. However, lack of quality control and the prevalence of fake Piccolos rendered the firecracker harmful.

A box of twenty pieces of Piccolo cost about 10 to 20 pesos, making it affordable to children. The children have the highest incidence of being injured by Piccolo.

The Department of Health (DOH)  is seeking the total ban on the sale and use of Piccolo in the country.