{"id":555719,"date":"2014-01-01T02:01:03","date_gmt":"2013-12-31T18:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsinfo.inquirer.net\/?p=555719"},"modified":"2014-01-01T02:01:03","modified_gmt":"2013-12-31T18:01:03","slug":"hundreds-injured-in-philippine-new-year-countdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsinfo.inquirer.net\/555719\/hundreds-injured-in-philippine-new-year-countdown","title":{"rendered":"Hundreds injured in Philippine New Year countdown"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

Photo by Matikas Santos\/黑料社<\/p><\/div>\n

MANILA, Philippines–At least 10 revellers\u00a0 were brought to the East Avenue Medical Center for firecracker injuries during the first hour of the New Year.<\/p>\n\n

This as authorities said more than 260 people had been injured by fireworks or stray bullets in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve.<\/p>\n\n

Two people suffered injuries from kwitis (dragon\u2019s skyrocket), two others from piccolo, while the rest sustained injuries due to whistlebomb, sinturon ni hudas, and fountain.<\/p>\n\n

The total number of injured persons recorded at the government-run hospital rose to 39, as of 1 a.m.<\/p>\n\n

Firecrackers had injured 26 children, 23 of whom were due to banned piccolo.<\/p>\n\n

The victims of early celebrations on Tuesday included an eight-year-old boy in Cebu City who lost his right hand due to a powerful firecracker and a 40-year-old woman in Manila with an accidental gun wound.<\/p>\n\n

The Department of Health said that eight people were hit by stray bullets.<\/p>\n\n

DOH Spokesman Eric Tayag said shortly before midnight they were bracing for “50-80 fireworks related injuries every hour in the 12-hour period” before and after midnight.<\/p>\n\n

It is a belief in the mostly Catholic nation that making noise to welcome the New Year drives evil spirits away and ushers in good luck.<\/p>\n\n

But many take it to the extreme by firing guns into the air and letting off powerful firecrackers despite a government ban.<\/p>\n\n

Last year, two children were killed by stray bullets while more than 400 people were injured.<\/p>\n\n

The deaths had triggered widespread public calls for stricter gun controls in a country with a thriving black market for guns where unlicensed pistols can be bought for as little as $100.<\/p>\n\n

By law shops are only allowed to stocks small fireworks but many still sell large ones that could maim or kill if not handled properly.<\/p>\n\n

And on Tuesday, last minute customers were rushing to buy their supplies, ignoring government calls for solemn celebrations.<\/p>\n\n

“It will not be complete without firecrackers. It’s a family tradition and we can’t stop it just like that,” said Jepy Roxas after buying boxes of powerful firecrackers.<\/p>\n\n

Among the favorites are “Judas’ belt”, named after the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ, which consists of a string of triangular crackers that pop like machine gunfire when set off.<\/p>\n\n

A longer version, known by the Filipino word for python, is wrapped around lamp posts or trees to be set off minutes before the clock strikes midnight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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