Life-threatening subject

If one could see the aftermath of firecrackers being so freely displayed in communities in the Philippines, one would reconsider the freedom of their use. In one year alone, Manila had a count of more than 1,000 people who were deformed in one way or another by the public frivolous use of firecrackers.

My eyes witnessed missing fingers, toes, feet, hands, eyes and various other horrendous injuries that are a constant reminder each year of celebrating the New Year. It is not the most pleasant of memories to be remembered by. Some of those victims were innocent bystanders, housewives and children.

The big question is how does one control this life-threatening act of what is called celebration? ... or fun ...? There is definitely nothing enjoyable about having a firecracker thrown behind you in the street, and these days it is more of a joy for the users to enjoy, surprise or scare the innocent bystanders. Street children are not aware of the immediate dangers of firecrackers, where even a pregnant woman is left in a vulnerable situation.

There should be a clamp down on the use, supply and distribution of firecrackers, and penalties to go with it. There should also be a television campaign saturating the media with warnings and visuals. After all, we are talking about a life- threatening subject.

C. PARRY

Jakarta