The Department of Health (DOH) reported four new firework-related injuries, bringing the total to eight with all new cases being children aged eight to 12 years old.
Of the new cases, three used illegal fireworks, the DOH said.
The DOH also urged parents to refrain from giving fireworks to children in its latest advisory. The health department said: “Parents should watch over their children and lead by example by using noise-making alternatives.”
Local authorities were urged to promote community fireworks displays and refrain from lighting up fireworks at home.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. meanwhile said the NCRPO has taken a strong stance on ensuring public safety this Christmas holiday.
On Friday, Nartatez and other police officials made an ocular inspection to monitor the peace and order situation in various public places in Metro Manila such as terminal hubs, churches, public markets, shopping malls, and other places of convergence.
Nartatez said the NCRPO remains on full alert this holiday season and no break will be given to its personnel.
Among the places inspected were the Baclaran Church, Baclaran Flea Market, LRT Line 1 Baclaran to Carriedo Station, Quiapo Church, Quiapo Flea Market, LRT Line 2 Recto to Araneta Center Cubao Station, malls in Araneta Center, and bus terminals along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
The team took an LRT ride to evaluate commuter conditions and devise solutions to potential risks and uncertainties during the commute.
Nartatez also made a surprise inspection of Pateros Police Station, Pasig City Police Station, Marikina City Police Station, and Cubao Police Station 7.
The NCRPO chief tapped the five police district commanders in the region to deploy additional men to conduct patrolling, intensify police visibility, and checkpoints, and help on public assistant desks (PADS) ready to respond to emergencies.
“We will celebrate with the community where we are assigned. We encourage the public to welcome the presence of our police in areas they frequent for prayers or shopping. We also ask the public to report any suspicious individuals or groups so that we can immediately extend police assistance,” said Nartatez.
He reiterated his previous instruction that all immediate supervisors will be held responsible for the deeds and misdeeds of their personnel.