Christmas celebrations in Cebu City passed without major incidents, though isolated accidents involving firecrackers and a residential fire left two children injured and seven families displaced, city disaster officials reported.
City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chair of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), said the two minors were hurt by firecrackers shortly after midnight on December 25.
An 11-year-old boy from Barangay Punta Princesa was injured by a whistle bomb, while a 10-year-old boy from Barangay Pasil sustained injuries when a piccolo exploded. Both incidents occurred at around 12:42 a.m., as residents welcomed Christmas.
In a post shared Thursday, Tumulak said the city recorded no major alarms during the holiday and described the overall situation as generally peaceful.
He also expressed hope that no further firecracker-related injuries would be reported during the New Year celebrations and thanked emergency responders, barangay personnel, police, and hospitals for their prompt action.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out on the evening of December 24 in Sitio Isla Verde, Barangay Inayawan, affecting seven families or 23 individuals.
As of 8:07 p.m. on Wednesday, authorities reported that the blaze damaged four houses—three were totally destroyed, and one was partially damaged. Three of the affected families were sharers living in the area.
The residents affected included four children aged 6 to 12, 13 adults aged 18 to 59, and four senior citizens aged 60 and above. No infants, toddlers, or teenagers were reported among those affected.
The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) has begun on-site assessments and is coordinating the distribution of relief assistance to the families displaced by the fire.
City officials said validation is ongoing to ensure all affected residents receive appropriate support.
As the holiday season continues, the Cebu City Government reminded the public to exercise caution when using firecrackers and to strictly observe fire safety practices to prevent similar incidents in the lead-up to the New Year. (LLP)
