Manila, Dec. 26 -- Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police chiefs to coordinate with local government units on the possible establishment of designated markets for firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials ahead of the New Year revelry.

Nartatez said the directive is aimed at strengthening public safety following reports from the Department of Health that there are now at least 28 firecracker-related injuries from Dec. 21 to 25, and the number is expected to further increase as the New Year approaches.

"The main purpose of this is proper regulation and public safety. By designating a specific area in every town or city where people could buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials, we can ...