DOH launches ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign, reminds public to avoid illegal fireworks  

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday launched its anti-firecracker campaign for the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities.

In a report by Kara David on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, the DOH revealed its campaign theme this year, "Sa ingay walang sablay, sa paputok goodbye kamay."

The agency was joined by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Ecowaste Coalition.

DOH launches Iwas Paputok Campaign: Sa Ingay, walang sablay. Sa paputok goodbye kamay. | via @karadavid pic.twitter.com/23VGjrXu8e

— GMA News Breaking (@gmanewsbreaking) December 7, 2015

Health Secretary Janette Garin said that most of the victims of firecracker injuries are from six to 15 years old.

The DOH also said that of the 840 cases of firework injuries in 2014, 32 percent were caused by piccolo.

In the said briefing, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) revealed that it has seized an 8 x 40 container van from China misdeclared as sanitary napkins and other paper products. Instead, it contained boxes of the illegal firework piccolo, which has a total estimated value of P24 million.

The authorities also said that the Chinese manufacturers repackaged the boxes to add "Made in Bulacan" label.

Meanwhile, Ecowaste Coalition called for a total ban on the use of all kinds of firecrackers for minors. The BFP agreed with this but pushed for a total ban of firecrackers for all age groups. — Trisha Macas/RSJ, GMA News