Tabuk City, Kalinga — As the Yuletide season is celebrated, authorities in Kalinga are urging the public to choose safer and culturally rooted ways of welcoming the holidays and the New Year. Residents are encouraged to use the gangsa, a traditional gong, instead of lighting firecrackers to prevent injuries and accidents.
According to the Department of Health–Cordillera (DOH-CAR) firework-related injury report, Kalinga recorded 13 firecracker-related injury cases during the Christmas and New Year holiday monitoring period. In addition, one (1) stray bullet injury was recorded, involving a 16-year-old female from Kalinga.
Authorities hope to reduce these numbers to zero.
Police Captain Ruff B. Manganip made the statement during Kapihan sa Kalinga, a program spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)–Kalinga that addresses major issues in the province. The activity was held on December 12, 2025, at the PIA–Kalinga Building in Bulanao.
As a safer alternative, Manganip highlighted the cultural practice of beating the gangsa, which is widely used in Kalinga. He encouraged the public to adopt this tradition instead of using firecrackers to welcome the New Year, describing it as joyful, cost-effective, and safe.
“The best thing nga mai-recommend tayo—because we are in Kalinga—nagpintas latta nu agpat-pattong tayo lattan. Isu dayta ti maysa nga practice tayo idi nga instead nga paputok, nu ngay alam lattan iti gangsam, yun na lang. Why not beat the gong? Nagragragsak ka, nagsala ka, nakatipid ka pay, ken safe ka pay—diyay ti napinpintas nga alternative latta,” he said.
The police captain also reminded the public to avoid igniting firecrackers while intoxicated, noting that eating sticky food may cause firecrackers to adhere to the hands, potentially resulting in serious injuries.
“Additionally, huwag sana tayong magsindi o magpaputok kapag lasing, especially kung kumakain ng mga malalagkit gaya ng inandila, kasi puwedeng dumikit ang paputok sa kamay, which may lead to injuries. Pero this is the Yuletide season nga, kaya hindi natin maiiwasan ang mga inuman at kainan, so titignan natin ang mga iyan,” he added.
Manganip emphasized the importance of safety and discipline, especially during holiday celebrations. He reiterated existing regulations on the use of firecrackers, pointing out that under the Executive Order, only individuals 21 years old and above are allowed to use them.
He also expressed concern over the presence of loose firearms in the province and urged residents to refrain from indiscriminate firing. Manganip warned that anyone caught discharging a firearm may be arrested even without a search warrant, as part of efforts to prevent firearm-related incidents during the holiday season.
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