Pasig City reports one victim of stray bullet, seizes P700k worth of firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Vico Sotto reported on Monday (January 4) that Pasig City was able to confiscate more than P700,000-worth of firecrackers and related items from the New Year’s Eve revelry.
Sotto added that based on their tally, only three individuals sustained firecracker-related injuries, the lowest number so far in the city’s history.
He, however, reported one stray bullet injury.
The Mayor said the Philippine National Police (PNP) believes the that the bullet may have come from somewhere in Pinagbuhatan in Pasig, Taytay or Cainta, based on its trajectory.
The victims are now confined at the Pasig City General Hospital.
In December, Metro Manila mayors agreed to impose a complete firecracker ban in welcoming the New Year.
READ: PNP confirms firecracker ban in NCR, warns violators
Despite the total ban, there are still reports of firecracker-related injuries in several areas of the region.
Given the results, Mayor Sotto suggests that the government should keep a close watch on the supply of firecrackers to minimize, if not to fully end, the risks of firecrackers to the safety and health of the people.
“Sa susunod na Bagong Taon, mas kailangan tutukan ang SUPPLY. Kung gusto talaga natin na walang firecrackers nationwide o kahit metro manila, kailangan wala ring mabibili ang mga tao. Maraming nahuli kagabi, pero ang totoo mahirap makipaghabulan,” he said.