TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

2 Corinthians 5:17

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!

Footnotes

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation.

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Pagdami ng tao, Komedya

DEMOGRAPIYA ang ang pang-estadistikang pag-aaral ng populasyon, kabilang dito ang populasyon ng tao. Ito ay maaaring malawak na agham at maaaring gamitin sa kahit anong uri ng dinamikong populasyon ng tao. Shout out muna Sagguniang Barangay Binang First Bocaue, Bulacan member Alexander Malvar, Michelle Bautista, Mark Del Rosario, Esperanza Benedicto, Rorielou Cando, Acemond Pineda, Pablo De Guzman, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson Rachel Bianca Cruz. Sinusuri sa demograpiya ang sukat, istraktura at ikinikios ng populasyon sa bawat lugar at oras. pinaghahambing ang kasaysayan, ekonomiya,antropolohiya,sosyolohiya at iba pang larangan. Sinasabi ni Brookings Institution demographer William Frey Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal na nasa 75 milyong katao ang naragdag sa daigdig sa taong matatapos 2023. Kaya suma-total ay mahigit 8 bilyon na ang tao sa mundo batay sa  US Census Bureau. Lumobo ang populasyon ng daigdig nang wala pang 1%. Inaasahang ngayong bagong taon ay 4.3% ang birth rate bawat Segundo at 2% lamang ang death rate kada Segundo. Kapag nagpatuloy ang rata sa 2020s lumalabas pang pinakamabagal ito sa kasaysayan ng mundo, wala pang 4% sa loob ng 10 taon hanggang 2030. Sa kasaysayan, pinakamababang paglago ng populasyon ay noong 1930s sa 7.3%. sa pagtatapos na ito ng 2023, ang populasyon ng Pilipinas ay inaasahang nasa 115 milyon sa 1.6% growth rate, ika-13 sa dami ng tao sa daigdig at ika—7 sa Asya Pasipiko. Nakararami ngayon ang. “working-age group population”, 15 haanggang 64 anyos, tinatangkilik na mula sa paglilihi hanggang  14 anyos. Sa pagsasanay ng gobyerno sa “working age population” maaaring ikalago nito ito, darami ang manggagawa kaysa umaasa lamang sa ayuda. Kung   “manageable” ang nakararaming pamilyang Pilipino, pihong mas malusog, napapag-araal at gaganda ang hinaharap ng bansa. Ipinahaharang ng Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI)sa korte apelasyon ng isang buwang suspension ng National Telecommunications Commission na nakatakdang magkabisa sa Enero 4, 2024, may naalala ka ba Kiwal na nakisimpatiya ito noong binabagyo ni Digong ang kapamIlya network, parang wala ano, kaya ngayon mag-isa sya. Happy birthdate Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Incorporated Moderator Rev. Nestor Sadim, more birthdays to come. Welcome to the Philippines Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Capica. Ididiskwento ng Meralco nang hanggang syento porsyento sa singil sa koryente ang mga benepisyaryo ng 4ps. Kwalipikadong aplikante ay kailangang hindi kumukunsumo ng 100 kw.hr. DSWD, huwag naman nyong pahirapan mga aplikante. Dalawang buwan na lang at Marked Men for Christ sa Baguio na.  Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problema ba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.

SUCs to stop offering SHS program

By J.Lo

“This is to reiterate  decision of  commission, through CMO Nos. 32 and 33, Series of 2015 and 2016, respectively, that engagement of SUCs and LUCs in basic education through senior high school shall be limited to  K-12 transition period, which is from SY 2016-2017 to SY 2020-2021 only,” Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman J. Prospero de Vera III has directed all state universities and colleges (SUCs) to stop offering  senior high school (SHS) program starting next school year (SY 2024-2025), saying there is no longer any legal basis to fund it.

In  Memorandum from  Office of the Chairman dated Dec. 18, 2023, De Vera said  authority of SUCs as well as local universities and colleges (LUCs) to engage in basic education through  SHS program has already lapsed after SYs 2016-2017 to 2020-2021,  supposed transition period for  Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) system.

He cited two CHED memorandum orders (CMOs) issued by his predecessor, former chairperson Patricia Licuanan, when  K-12 basic education program was launched during  administration of the late former president Benigno Aquino III.

He added that  Department of Education (DepEd) has already issued  notice that there will no longer be any government assistance to private school students and teachers who moved to SUCs and LUCs for SHS program “except for those entering Grade 12 in SY 2023-2024 to finish their basic education.”

“DepEd has already issued  notice, through  Private Education Assistance Committee, that beginning SY 2023-2024, there should be no more Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education beneficiaries from SUCs and LUCs, except those who will be entering Grade 12 in SY 2023-2024 to finish their basic education and that SUCs and LUCs with laboratory schools can accept enrollees but will no longer receive vouchers,” De Vera said in his memorandum.

CHED, through CMO No. 32 Series of 2015, had allowed SUCs and LUCs to offer SHS program beginning SY 2016-2017 until SY 2020-2021 in support of  country’s shift to  K-12 basic education system and in anticipation of  low enrollment in higher education institutions (HEIs) during those transition years.

 Same  CMO, however, stated that SUCs and LUCs’ participation in  SHS program “shall be limited to  K-12 transition period only, from SYs 2016-2017 to 2020-2021.”

Same  CMO also stated SUCs previously authorized to offer basic education through their laboratory schools shall be allowed to accept up to 1,000 students during  K-12 transition period, but must cap their enrollment at 750 students once transition period ends.

“Considering  foregoing, SUC presidents/OICs officers-in-charge are directed to bring to their respective SUC BOR ,Board of Regents/BOT ,Board of Trustees discontinuance of senior high school in SUCs as there is no longer legal basis to fund the same,..for SUCs with laboratory school, present to  Board  financial implication of notice from Department of Education as to non-issuance of vouchers for senior high school enrollees in SUCs and compliance with CMO No. 32 Series of 2015  provides  following K-12 transition period,  laboratory schools shall cap enrollment at 750 students,” De Vera said.

CHED chief directed  agency’s regional directors to monitor SUCs and LUCs’ compliance with his memorandum.

Measures  to speed up Marawi recovery

By Nidz Godino

“To ensure institutional stability, it is imperative to institutionalize and strengthen  functions of implementing government agencies involved in  reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in  City of Marawi and other affected localities,”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has ordered  streamlining and strengthening of functions of various government agencies to fast track  reconstruction of Marawi City and other areas affected by  2017 armed conflict between government forces and ISIS-inspired Maute group.

Under Administrative Order (AO) 14, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 22,  Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) will cease operations today and will be functus officio  or of no further official authority or legal effect  by March 31, 2024.

TFBM’s unused funds will be turned over to  Office of the President,  AO said.

FMJ particularly ordered Department of the Interior and Local Government to maintain peace and order in Marawi City and other affected localities, and  Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to facilitate and oversee completion of housing projects for  affected residents.

 Department of Public Works and Highways was also ordered to coordinate  complete restoration of public utilities such as water and electricity and  repair and reconstruction of public buildings and infrastructure.

FMJ meanwhile, directed  Department of Health and  Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure health, sanitation, food and other basic needs of residents; and  Department of Trade and Industry to provide  environment conducive to  revival of business and livelihood activities.

TFBM was created pursuant to AO 3 in 2017 as amended by AO 9 to oversee progress and completion of several programs and activities under  Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program.

While  TFBM performs supervisory roles such as coordination and monitoring activities, FMJ pointed out it is still  government agencies execute projects needed for recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi.

He noted  arrangement has resulted in delays due to “redundant and superfluous bureaucratic layers in  national government.”

FMJ said there is  need to rationalize  functions of government agencies “in order to promote efficiency and organizational coherence in  bureaucracy consistent with  rightsizing policy.”

As part of winding down its operations, FMJ ordered  TFBM to facilitate  reversion to  OP of  remaining balance of  TFBM Trust Fund.

It is also mandated to conduct  inventory of its assets, properties and ensure proper accounting and turnover of funds and settle its outstanding obligations and submit Consolidated Audited Report of Disbursements to  OP on or before March 31, 2024.

TFBM has been directed to submit  Comprehensive Transition Report to the President.

FMJ also repealed AOs 03 and 09 series of 2017 and all other orders, rules and regulations and issuances or parts of  orders  bases for  creation of  TFBM  inconsistent with  provisions of AO 14.

Over 100,000 Marawi residents were displaced when  Maute group attacked Marawi City on May 23, 2017, prompting then president Rodrigo Duterte to place  entire Mindanao under martial law.

 Armed  clashes lasted for five months.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11696 or  Marawi Siege Compensation Act of 2022 in April last year.

iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino’s Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite 

31 Disyembre 2023, Linggo

24 hours to 2024 

condemns murder of Juan Jumalon

underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH

supports Bible month 2024

supports World AIDS campaign

Pilipinas, may pinakamahabang pasko sa daigdig, Maligayang Pasko!!!

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HEADLINES

China hit Ph plan to build Ayungin facilities

By Nidz Godino

“Ren’ai Jiao is  uninhabited shoal…according to Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and ASEAN countries, parties should keep Ren’ai Jiao uninhabited and facility-free,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning hit back at  Philippine armed forces over  plan to build  permanent structure at Ayungin Shoal in bid to protect  country’s sovereignty over West Philippine Sea.

In her regular press briefing  Mao Ning accused Philippines of “reneging” on its commitment to remove  BRP Sierra Madre ,  rusting wartime ship grounded there and to keep  Ren’ai Jiao , Ayungin Shoal “facility-free.”

 “On Ren’ai Jiao issue, Philippines reneged on its words, changed its policy, infringed on China’s sovereignty and made provocations again and again and triggered complex situations,” she added.

Mao Ning said “this would be another major move  Philippines could take to go back on its words, change its policy and undermine  uninhabited and facility-free status of Ren’ai Jiao.”

Erlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar was quoted saying  civilian structure is earmarked for funding in  Philippine 2024 national budget,

“Spokesperson of  Armed Forces of the Philippines blatantly claimed Philippines will build  permanent structure,” Mao Ning said.

“This will severely infringe on China’s sovereignty, violate international law and  DOC…. China will take resolute measures against any violation of our sovereignty and provocation, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” she added.

In  Dec. 26 media report, Aguilar was quoted as saying  permanent structure in Ayungin could be  shelter for fisherfolk who were being blocked by China from fishing in the area.

In  Dec. 12, former Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio suggested  lighthouse or  marine research center is  civilian structure that should be built at Ayungin Shoal, located at  Spratly Islands near Kalayaan municipality in Palawan.

“We should put up  civilian structure at Ayungin because it is part of our exclusive economic zone… only us  has  right to build structures there under  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Carpio then said.

Senate finance committee chair Sonny Angara had let slip  budget for  civilian structure is included in country’s P5.768-trillion national budget next year.

“There is funding there so that our ships have somewhere to go to,” Angara said without giving more details.

During  budget debates at  Senate in August, Sen. Francis Escudero proposed  P100-million budget for  pier and lodging facility at Ayungin for both Filipino troops and fisherfolk to take shelter during rough seas.

Escudero  said  permanent structure could be  “suitable” replacement for  grounded wartime ship BRP Sierra Madre.

When  2024 budget was ratified in the Senate, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said there is funding for  Department of Environment and Natural Resources to set up  marine research center in one of  West Philippine Sea features. He did not disclose  amount.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is firm on its stand in asserting Philippine sovereignty in  West Philippine Sea over China, as  former engages with more countries for further capacity-building.

In a post on X   “China’s national English language newspaper Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian reacted to  “French plan to hold joint patrols with Philippines in  South China Sea and  joint drill between  Philippines and India in the region.”

“ China-Philippines maritime dispute is an issue between  two countries, and no third party has any right to interfere,” Wu said.

In response, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela defended  Philippines’ plans to involve other countries in military capacity-building.

“By engaging in military collaborations with other countries that support  rules-based order,  Philippines can not only prevent China’s domination, but also deter its illegal bullying and aggressive behavior, France’s intention to conduct joint patrols not only demonstrates its support for  Philippines, but also reinforces our claim  increasing number of states believe in our legal backing in asserting sovereignty and sovereign rights in  West Philippine Sea compared with  baseless 10-dash line claim of China” Tarriela wrote on X.

In a separate statement, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said  agency “recognized  significance of stronger partnerships with foreign counterparts, including United States, Japan, Australia, Republic of Korea and Germany, in developing PCG and becoming  organization of world-class guardians of the sea.”

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Isaiah 43:16

¹⁶ This is what the Lord says—
    he who made a way through the sea,
    a path through the mighty waters,

Isaiah 43:18-19

¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

No transport crisis amid PUV deadline

By J.Lo

“Looking at the whole universe of other modes of transportation, LTFRB does not see transport crisis in 2024,” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member Mercy Jane Leynes said at  press briefing LTFRB) has assured commuters there will be no transport crisis in any part of the country come New Year.

Dec. 31,2023 deadline for public utility vehicle (PUV) consolidation will push through despite protests by transport groups, she said.

Leynes allayed fears there will be  shortage of PUVs. She said there are enough vehicles, especially in routes with more than 60 percent consolidation rate.

“In major thoroughfares, we have seen consolidated entities already… one of the reasons why we are saying there will be no transport crisis, we see other modes of transport… PUJ and PUV are only two denominations of road transport… many more, even in NCR, which can continue their services to our commuters,” she said.

Once Dec. 31 deadline lapses, Leynes said  LTFRB will focus its efforts on other components of public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) aside from industry consolidation.

“Real essence of PUVMP is commuter welfare, we at th LTFRB and DOTr ,Department of Transportation and attached agencies believe commuters deserve better services from government and stakeholders,” she said.

LTFRB offices and Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) will continue their services until Dec. 31, to accommodate more operators who want to consolidate.

“All LTFRB offices will be open on Saturday until Dec. 31 Sunday, 5 in the afternoon  to accept applications for consolidation. ..we are encouraging all remaining operators to join and apply before deadline,” she said.

OTC noted in the month of December alone, there have been 101 applications for consolidation, exceeding past 11 months of 2023.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) gave assurance it is ready to assist jeepney drivers who will be gravely affected by implementation of  PUVMP next year.

Jeepney drivers who “may experience  crisis” when PUVMP is implemented are eligible to avail themselves of programs and services of  agency, according to DSWD Program Management Bureau director Miramel Laxa.

“It is possible they can avail of AICS ,Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation since they can be categorized as in crisis,” Laxa said.

AICS is one of the programs of DSWD serves as  stopgap measure by providing immediate and temporary aid to individuals and families who are undergoing crisis based on assessment of social workers.

Laxa noted availing of AICS can help them meet their basic needs through different forms of assistance such as food and cash aid.

Laxa pointed out while AICS can assist drivers, “it is just  one-time assistance.”

Laxa pointed out is more vital to provide these drivers with livelihood aid or grants, considering that they may lose their source of income.

As  these strict crackdown on unregistered vehicles will resume next week following New Year break, Land Transportation Office (LTO) said.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza reminded delinquent motorists to register their vehicles as “no registration, no travel” policy will be implemented.

Motorists may face  hefty P10,000 fine if caught by LTO enforcers or other deputized enforcers driving unregistered vehicle.

“Starting next week, we will be reviving our strict ‘No Registration, No Travel’ campaign across the country…no more issuing of warnings…as such, I would like to appeal to our delinquent motor vehicle owners to find time to renew registration of their respective motor vehicles to avoid paying hefty fines,” Mendoza said.

LTO and  Department of Transportation eased their policy earlier this month in the spirit of Christmas by issuing  warning to motorists instead of handing out ticket violations.

Data from LTO showed about 65 percent of all motor vehicles and motorcycles in the country are unregistered. This equates to around 24.7 million delinquent motor vehicles nationwide.

Mendoza emphasized need for registration as this means vehicle was inspected for roadworthiness.

“Our determination to have all these delinquent motor vehicles registered is primarily about safety for all road users,” he said.

Every day, around 32 people die in the Philippines due to road accidents, according to  United Nations.

LTO gave assurance it is working to make sure renewal of motor vehicle registration is fast and comfortable for its clients.

World population to hit 8 B in 2024

By Nidz Godino

“Of course growth may tick up  bit as we leave pandemic years…but it would still be difficult to get to 7.3 percent,” Brookings Institution demographer William Frey said. world population grew by 75 million people over past year and on New Year’s Day it will stand at more than eight billion people, according to figures released by US Census Bureau.

Worldwide  growth rate in the past year was just under one percent. At the start of 2024, 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, according to Census Bureau figures.

Growth  rate for  United States in the past year was 0.53 percent, about half worldwide figure. US added 1.7 million people and will have population on New Year’s Day of 335.8 million people.

If  current pace continues through end of decade, 2020s could be slowest-growing decade in US history, yielding  growth rate of less than four percent over 10-year period from 2020 to 2030, said Frey.

Slowest -growing decade currently was in aftermath of Great Depression in  1930s, when growth rate was 7.3 percent.

At start of 2024, United States is expected to experience one birth every nine seconds and one death every 9.5 seconds. However, immigration will keep population from dropping.

Net international migration is expected to add one person to US population every 28.3 seconds. This combination of births, deaths and net international migration will increase US population by one person every 24.2 seconds.

Philippines’ population may reach 115 million by end of the year,  Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said in November.

“ Philippines, based on 2020 census, has recorded 109 million Filipinos and it is estimated  it will reach around 115 million by end of 2023,” CPD deputy executive director Lolito Tacardon said in interview.

Number  is based on country’s population growth rate of 1.6 percent annually, according to Tacardon.

Philippines is now 13th among most populous countries in the world.

“Meanwhile, in Asia-Pacific region, Philippines is at seventh place,” Tacardon said.

He noted 1.6-percent population growth rate annually meant country’s population “has already stabilized.”

“Total fertility rate showed woman of reproductive health normally gives birth to two children only… based on 2022 Health and Demographic Survey… means total fertility level slows down country’s population growth,” Tacardon explained.

At the same time, CPD official stressed fertility rate has an impact on country’s age structure.

“Dominant now is working-age group population of 15 to 64 years old…dependents, aged to zero to 14, are getting fewer in number… implication is that if country becomes successful in building human resources such as working-age population, there is  chance to accelerate economic development, If all or many are working, all will contribute to development rather than receiving help from government… positive contribution to economic development,” he said.

If number of children in the family is manageable, there will be more investment when it comes to their health, studies and well-being as  family, according to Tacardon.

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HEADLINES

1st case of hearing loss among new firecracker injuries

By J.Lo

“Fireworks can lead to hearing loss…firework explosions result in sound levels of 140-150 decibels (dB) can lead to pain and ear injury after exposure,” Department of Health (DOH) warned,for comparison,  sound of  normal conversation is around 60 dB;  sound of  motorcycle is 95 dB; sirens are at 120 dB,loud noises above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to ears.”

 DOH recorded  total of 96 cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) included  first case of loss of hearing due to fireworks.

 Latest  FWRI Report of DOH said victim is  23-year-old woman from Central Luzon experienced hearing loss after passive exposure to kwitis (sky rocket).

 “Watching community fireworks displays from  safe distance is still best…if you cannot avoid exposure to fireworks and their loud sounds, use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs. …if you notice any pain, discomfort, ringing or buzzing in your ears, talk to your doctor,” health department added.

DOH said this now brings total FWRI cases to 96, with three out of every 10 cases coming from National Capital Region (NCR) to 33 or 34 percent.

Following NCR in most number of cases are Central Luzon (12 or 12 percent), Ilocos region (12 or 12 percent), Soccsksargen (6 or 6 percent), Bicol and Western Visayas (5 or 5 percent each). Ninety six percent happened at home and in the streets, mostly by males with active involvement.

Top ranking identified fireworks that cause at least seven out of every 10 (72 percent) FWRIs are boga (improvised cannon), 5-star, kwitis, piccolo, pla-pla, whistle bomb and luces.

Illegal fireworks (boga, 5-Star, piccolo, pla-pla) are to blame for about six out of every 10 cases (57 or 60 percent), DOH added.

Report  noted as of 5:59 in the morning of Dec. 29, there were eight new injuries, with victims ranging from 5 to 49 years old, mostly males (7 or 88 percent). All of these new cases occurred at home and in streets.

Six or 75 percent were due to illegal fireworks, while another 6 or 75 percent more had active involvement.

Meanwhile, in Region 1, three of latest 25 firecracker-related injuries were caused by boga, while  others were hit by banned pyrotechnics, according to DOH regional office.

DOH 1 Medical Officer IV Rheuel Bobis said 20 of the injuries were from Pangasinan, four and one in La Union and Ilocos Sur, respectively.

Bobis said boga victims suffered blast and burn injuries while  others sustained wounds on their bodies, fingers and eyes due to unlabeled imported firecrackers.

Bobis advised in case of firecracker injuries, victims should wash wounded part with water and soap and immediately go to  hospital.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. inspected fireworks stores and stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan to check for necessary permits to operate and fire protection device such as fire extinguishers, in compliance with existing requirements.

Accompanying Acorda was Chief Security Group director Maj. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr., Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Bulacan police provincial director Col. Relly Arnedo and Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando.

At  press conference after inspection, Acorda emphasized PNP wanted to ensure firecrackers and pyrotechnic dealers, sellers and manufacturers comply with existing laws.

He also stated inspection is part of  PNP’s crackdown on sellers and manufacturers of illegal firecrackers to minimize FWRI during Christmas and New Year.

In response to reports that some dealers of prohibited firecrackers are selling their products online, Acorda said PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has intensified operations.

Acorda has directed Civil Security Group (CSG) and other police offices to intensify crackdown against people selling firecrackers without obtaining permits from PNP and other concerned government agencies, including those offering fireworks on online platforms.

Meanwhile, Hidalgo reminded public not to patronize illegal firecrackers as these could endanger lives.

He also directed all police chiefs, not only in Bulacan but entire Central Luzon, to strictly implement provisions of Republic Act 7183, ensure filing of cases against violators to attain conviction and closely monitor previously filed cases.

PNP has confirmed having recently confiscated thousands of boxes of smuggled finished pyrotechnics in Bulacan.

At  press conference, PNP Firearms Explosive Office-CSG chief Brig. Gen. Lyndon Mencio said operatives confiscated in Bulacan more than 5,000 boxes of imported finished pyrotechnic devices.

Mencio did not identify who imported products and did not specify if arrest was made.

He said necessary charges were filed against those involved in illegal importation of finished imported pyrotechnic devices and confiscated products were properly disposed of, as witnessed by pyrotechnics stakeholders, local officials and members of media.

Sources claimed smuggled pyrotechnic devices were intercepted in Baliwag City.

RA 7183 or the Act Regulating Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices prohibits importation of finished pyrotechnic products into the country.

Recently, Philippine Fireworks Association president Jovenson Ong said smuggled fireworks from China have been competing with legally made fireworks. He added they have been lodging complaints about smuggled pyrotechnics, but operations continue.

He also cited that most fireworks accidents occur because of these inferior quality smuggled products, but these are somehow being blamed on legal fireworks.

On the other hand, Fernando, chairman of  Bulacan Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board, reiterated his priority is safety of the people.

Fernando said during their Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, directed all local government officials including barangay officials, particularly those in  towns of Bocaue and Santa Maria, to conduct house-to-house inspections after receiving reports that some residential houses are being used in manufacture of illegal firecrackers.

Safety must always come first, that is why proper control and regulation of use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices must strictly be observed, Fernando noted.

According to PNP data, some 28,754 banned firecrackers worth P244,130 were confiscated by police units nationwide during Yuletide season.

Twelve people were arrested so far for selling banned firecrackers.

Meanwhile, city government of Parañaque discouraged use of firecrackers to ensure  safe and peaceful New Year celebration.

In  memorandum dated Dec. 20, Mayor Eric Olivarez said order is in compliance with directives of  Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“As per DILG memorandum, individuals or household use of firecrackers is discouraged and, instead, use of common household items is encouraged in celebrating holiday as well as conduct of community fireworks exhibition or displays for their constituents,” memorandum read.

In allowing community fireworks displays, local government said official permits from PNP must be secured and nearest Bureau of Fire Protection notified.

It also noted that only individuals over 21 years old “with adequate knowledge” are allowed to supervise fireworks displays.

Local  government also advised fireworks should be fired at least three meters away from people and must be projected upwards. First-aid fire equipment must also be readily available.

Apart from this, city government has prohibited use of firearms during New Year revelry. 

Kwitis, known for its distinctive whistle sound when launched into the air, is  firecracker that looks like  thin rocket.

It is often launched by individuals by hand or in  hanging rack after its fuse is lit.

In Dagupan, Pangasinan, four persons were injured when  pile of firecrackers stored in  house under construction exploded .

Reports from Pangasinan PNP provincial office identified injured victims as Rogelio Solomon, 48, and Raymundo Lazaro, 38, both residents of Barangay Malued; Jaquiline Velasco, 49, and Roan Velasco, 44, both residents of Barangay Caranglaan.

Police said four injured victims were rushed to the Region I Medical Center-Annex in Barangay Bonuan Binloc for treatment. Further reports said four nearby houses were also damaged during explosion.

Police  with  personnel of Bureau of Fire Protection, city disaster risk reduction and management council and Public Order and Safety Office immediately responded.

Local  police is coordinating with Explosive and Ordnance Division/K9 office of the Pangasinan PNP provincial office to conduct post blast investigation.

Meanwhile,  61-year-old man was injured by exploding kwitis on Christmas Day in Zambales.

Reports reaching Hidalgo  Central Luzon regional police director, identified victim as Danny Alcayde,  retired US Army personnel and  resident of Purok 2 Barangay Patrocinio, San Narciso, Zambales.

Initial investigation showed victim erected and lighted  kwitis on sand in their place failed to shoot up and instead exploded on ground.

Explosion  caused  splinter of kwitis stick to pierce victim’s left arm, causing  minor injury. He was treated at  San Marcelino District Hospital. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

John 16:33

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”