THE Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos Region repeatedly warned the public against using boga, an improvised canon, before the New Year’s Eve celebration, but records show the illegal device remained the most commonly used noisemaker in the province and was the second top source of firecracker-related injuries at 19 cases.

DOH-Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, in a press conference on December 28, particularly appealed to parents to watch over their children as cases of injuries related to boga were increasing in the region, particularly in the province of Pangasinan.

She said most boga users were between the ages of 10-14 years old.

“Mahigpit po naming pinapaalalahanan ang mga magulang na bantayan ang kanilang mga anak upang maiwasan ang paggamit nila ng mga ito. We are also encouraging our local officials in the communities to be on guard and immediately confiscate anyone using the improvise device,” she said.

The possession, use and sale of boga is punishable under Republic Act No. 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices) as well as under local ordinances.

“We need everyone’s cooperation and support including local officials, law enforcement agencies, health workers, and most importantly, the vigilance and discipline of every family,” Sydiongco concluded. (DOH -CMU/Eva Visperas)

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