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'Iwas PapuToxic' campaign says no to firecrackers


A local ecological group urged the youth to say no to firecrackers through its yearly "Iwas PapuToxic" campaign. "The customary blasting of firecrackers to welcome the New Year has long been recognized as a highly preventable source of accidental injury and mortality as well as noise, garbage and chemical pollution," said film actor Roy Alvarez of the EcoWaste Coalition. EcoWaste cited data from the Department of Health's (DOH) Fireworks Injury Surveillance Report, showing 733 injuries reported from December 21, 2008 to January 5, 2009. Of the cases, 714 were fireworks-related, 17 were due to stray-bullet injuries and 2 were due to the use and ingestion of watusi, a firecracker also known as "dancing fire." The DOH also reported that piccolo, kwitis (mini-rockets), 5-star, luces or sparklers, and home-made or altered firecrackers as the top five firecrackers that caused most injuries in 2008. "By turning away from firecrackers, we save lives and limbs and, at one fell swoop, help in improving overall community environment by reducing deafening noise, avoiding trash and preventing the release of harmful chemicals into the surroundings," he added. Percussionist Paul Zialcita also suggested “non-toxic" ways of celebrating the new year by making lively music using improvised drums, horns made of used materials, cymbals using pot lids, maracas from tin cans, tambourine from bottle caps, and shakers from used plastic containers and paper boxes. Meanwhile, authorities have intensified their crackdown on the illegal transport of firecrackers a week before Christmas. The Philippine Coast Guard issued the warning after its personnel intercepted firecrackers on passenger ships in Manila, Southern Luzon and Northern Mindanao recently. "Per shipping regulation, transport of firecrackers should be properly documented. Aside from the business permit of the owners, the shipment should have the approval of the Firearms and Explosives unit of the PNP and must be coordinated with the shipping company for proper cargo storage inside the ship. Coast Guard authorities also recommend that owner should inform the Coast Guard station of the port where the shipment will be made ahead of time," the Coast Guard said on its website. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo also issued guidelines to Coast Guard districts, stations and detachments to ensure the safety and security of travelers. Aside from Passenger Assistance Centers to be set up in all ports nationwide, Coast Guard units should exercise extra vigilance in ports with random checks on passengers and luggages, he said. Tamayo added Deployable Response Units (DRU) should be on high alert to augment ship inspectors and law enforcement teams in case of any maritime incident during the season. Tamayo also reiterated his appeal to the public against unsafe "colorum" (unregistered) vessels which may take advantage of the influx of passengers. He said these vessels lack the necessary lifesaving equipment and failed to comply with the safety regulations provided by the Maritime Industry Authority and should not be patronized. Tamayo asked the public to report maritime safety violations to the nearest Coast Guard Stations or to PCG Command Center hotline 0917-7243682 (0917-PCGDOTC). - Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV

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