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Duterte effect: Firecracker, stray bullet incidents down by 43%—PNP

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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/news-special1/nation/01/01/20170101-new-year-luneta-rtr-1.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Fireworks explode over the monument of national hero Jose Rizal during the New Year celebrations at Luneta park on January 1, 2017. Romeo Ranoco, Reuters</div></figcaption></figure></div>Accidents caused by firecrackers and stray bullets went down by 43 percent in 2016, contributing to a “generally peaceful” New Year celebration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.From December 16 to January 2, a total of 224 cases of firecrackers and stray bullet accidents were recorded by the PNP, 43 percent lower than the 2015 record of 521 incidents.PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario said the decline can also be attributed to the so-called “Duterte effect.”“That&#x27;s part of the psychology na because of the strict implementation of our president, talagang maraming natatakot na ngayon na magpaputok ng firecrackers,” Apolinario said in a press briefing.Apolinario added that the PNP has recorded 23 cases of indiscriminate firing and has arrested 19 suspects including a policeman.PO1 Daniel Castillo of the Manila Police District was arrested for indiscriminate firing when he fired his gun while under the influence of liquor. Apolinario said investigation and summary dismissal proceedings for Castillo are already underway.Other arrested suspects are 14 civilians, three security guards, and a soldier, Apolinario said.The PNP also arrested 18 people for illegal selling of firecrackers and confiscated illegal firecrackers worth over P879,000.Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also congratulated the PNP for the peaceful celebration of the holidays as well as the Department of Health for the success of its &quot;Iwas Paputok campaign.&quot;“We congratulate the Department of Health (DOH) for its very successful Iwas Paputok campaign and the Philippine National Police, together with the local executives, for a &#x27;generally peaceful&#x27; celebration of Christmas and New Year,” Andanar said in a text message.Andanar added that even though President Rodrigo Duterte is an advocate of the firecracker ban, he still considers the welfare of industries that will be affected by the proposed executive order.“We have yet to see a signed EO for the firecracker ban. Although we are very much aware that the President is a strong advocate of the total firecrackers ban, there are industries and laborers also that would be affected by this move. The President weighs/considers the welfare that would be for the greater good of all,” Andanar said.

Accidents caused by firecrackers and stray bullets went down by 43 percent in 2016, contributing to a “generally peaceful” New Year celebration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

Accidents caused by firecrackers and stray bullets went down by 43 percent in 2016, contributing to a “generally peaceful” New Year celebration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.