Not even ‘torotot’ is safe alternative to firecrackers, says EcoWaste

The EcoWaste Coalition on Wednesday said even a "torotot" — the Filipino term for a horn that creates noise to welcome the New Year — is not a safe alternative to firecrackers, according to a report by Mark Salazar on Balitanghali on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and the EcoWaste Coalition organized an anti-firecracker campaign in General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City.

The coalition said that a torotot could also be hazardous due to its potentially toxic material. Aside from that, its whistle may choke or be swallowed by the person using it.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) suggested other alternatives to torotot such as kitchen pots and pans as noisemakers.

DOH said more than 400 cases of firecracker-related injuries were reported last year, which is lower than the 633 cases reported in 2016.

Executive Order No. 28 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last year, prohibits the use of firecrackers like Super Lolo, Whistle Bomb, Judas’ Belt, Piccolo and Watusi to usher in a new year. — Joviland Rita/MDM, GMA News