ILOILO City – All hospitals in Western Visayas (WV) are now on “code white” alert in anticipation of untoward incidents during the holidays.
Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) – Health Education and Promotion Officer Arianne Joy Capacio said the “code white” alert will remain until Jan. 6 next year.
Under a “white code” alert, hospitals must be ready to admit victims of firecracker blasts, among others.
Capacio also said all health personnel are on call while all ambulances are on standby to respond to medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 kicked off its surveillance for firecracker-related incidents yesterday. This will run until Jan. 5, 2023.
During last year’s holiday celebration, the regional health office logged a drop in cases of firecracker-related injuries.
According to Dr. Adriano Suba-an, DOH-6 director, there’s a decreasing trend in firecracker-related injuries these past three years, particularly in 2020 when the region was under strict quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic – 139 firecracker-related injuries in 2018, 115 cases in 2019, and 42 cases in 2020.
The public’s high level of awareness on the dangers of firecrackers and the low supply were among the reasons cited for the drop in cases.
Suba-an also cited the “Iwas Paputok” campaign of the DOH with the aim of preventing fireworks-related injuries and providing alternatives to fireworks.
POLICE, TOO
All police officers in the region are also on alert this holiday season.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., who was in Iloilo yesterday, said the police will be visible in all convergence areas.
“Inaasahan natin ang ating kapulisan makapagdiwang naman ng kapaskuhan kasama ang kanilang pamilya. But unfortunately priority natin is to ensure the presence of the PNP sa mga convergence areas, malls and churches at sa iba’t-iba pang matataong lugar. Kailangan nandoon ang ating kapulisan para anytime ang mga kababayan natin mangangailan ng immediate response, nandoon at ready ang ating kapulisan,” said Azurin.
The PNP chief advised the public to avoid attracting the attention of criminals when in malls and other areas of convergence.
“Paalala natin sa community, iwasan magsusuot ng mga mamahaling alahas, pag-ingatan natin ang dala-dala nating pera para sa ganun indi sila maging biktima ng mga salisi gang at mga snatchers,” said Azurin.
He added that this is the first time in two years that Christmas will be celebrated almost the normal way.
“So let’s enjoy, have fun and give peace a chance in our respective communities,” the PNP chief said./PN
