Aquino orders govt agencies to ensure fewer revelry-related injuries

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday ordered concerned government agencies to ensure fewer casualties in this year's New Year revelry, after receiving a briefing from them on their preparations for the occasion.

Aquino was briefed in Malacañang on the measures taken by the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Interior and Health Departments, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported.

The report said Aquino's directives included making sure the PNP as well as health workers are at their posts, especially at 11 p.m. of Monday onwards, when the revelry is expected to peak.

It also said another meeting may be held in January on a possible ban on fireworks to ensure zero casualties in future revelries.

At the briefing, the PNP and Interior Departments insisted they are enforcing the laws and ordinances against illegal firecrackers.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the BFP laid out its case for banning firecrackers, which it said was a major cause of fires.

Valte also said Aquino asked the PNP to set up another hotline number other than the current text hotline 0917-8475757, which may be "hard to remember."

The New Year revelry is expected to peak on Monday, the last day of 2012, even as authorities brace for fires and injuries related to the celebrations. — LBG, GMA News