Warning out vs boga in Pangasinan as New Year draws closer

As the New Year draws closer, health authorities warned the public against noisemaking devices that may pose a danger to the public, such as the "boga."

The "boga" is a noisemaking device made of PVC pipes and can make a very loud sound when ignited, but may damage one's hearing.

In Dagupan City in Pangasinan, children started assembling such noisemakers using PVC pipes and cans, GMA Dagupan reported.

"(Sabi ng mama ko), basta mag-ingat daw po. Huwag daw po naming itututok kasi may lumalabas daw pong apoy minsan," said one of the children when interviewed by GMA News.

But the Dagupan City health office reminded the public that injuries from the boga are the fifth top firecracker-related injuries in 2013.

Health authorities also said the acetone used in the boga could be poisonous to children, while a misfiring boga can harm the eyes and ears.

"Of course ang pinapanguna natin is yung pwedeng ikamatay. Second is yung posibleng ma-amputate, third is yung ma-eye injury. And then of course yung ibang injury sa extremities," said city health officer Leonard Carbonell.

"Pwedeng ma-inhale yung ginagamit nilang material. Lahat ng ito ay delikado sa bata and alam naman natin yung [kampanyang] 'Iwas paputok,'" Carbonell added. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News