MANILA– The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its Kampanya Kontra Paputok  as the country readies to welcome the new year.

The DOH ordered all Center for Health Development (CHD) directors to take the lead in informing the public about the dangers of using banned firecrackers and watusi.

Streamers and posters of injured victims are posted in strategic places to serve as warning for revellers.

This year’s slogan is “Walang Batang Magpapaputok”.

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona said the drive aims to reduce the incidence of fireworks-related injuries to children as data showed that most victims were children aged below 10 years old.

“The DOH data clearly indicates that children are most prone and vulnerable to fireworks-related injuries,” Ona said.

The campaign also calls for close cooperation among local radios, TV networks and local government units.

Included on the DOH list of banned firecrackers are Piccolo, Pla-pla, 5-star, Atomic Bomb, Triangulo, Super Lolo, Boga and Watusi.

The Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police in a memorandum issued in January 2002 banned the selling of Watusi.

Meanwhile, the DOH will also release the list of allowed firecrackers and pyrotechnics as it urged local government units to designate a common fireworks display area.