More than 140 people were injured due to fireworks during the New Year, according to a report from the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday.
According to the DOH, an additional 141 cases were recorded, bringing the total number of injured from December 22 to January 1 to 340.
The total number of cases is 64% lower compared to the same period in 2023.
The DOH also recorded a 34% decrease in the number of fireworks cases from 62 sentinel sites nationwide.
However, the number is likely to increase due to late reporting of other cases, according to the agency.
Of the 340 cases of people injured due to firecrackers, 239 were under the age of 19, while 101 were over the age of 20.
The majority of cases were men, reaching 299, while only 14 were women.
Major injuries include blindness, limb amputation, and burns due to the use of fireworks.
More than half or 202 of the total cases were caused by illegal fireworks such as boga, 5-star, and piccolo.
Of those injured, 54.7% or 186 actively used fireworks when they were injured.
Fireworks Deaths
A 77-year-old man from Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija died on December 22 from injuries caused by fireworks.
Meanwhile, a 44-year-old man in Pangasinan died yesterday due to head injuries and a skull fracture after being blown up by firecrackers.
Cases in Pangasinan and Central Luzon
In Pangasinan, 84 cases of firework injuries were recorded from December 21 to January 1, according to the Provincial Health Office.
In Central Luzon, 18 new cases were recorded yesterday, bringing the total number of injured from December 21 to January 1 to 41.
Case Landing in Calabarzon
Meanwhile, it was reported that the number of injured in Calabarzon decreased compared to last year. According to Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, Calabarzon Police director, 39 incidents were recorded from December 1 to 31, less compared to 44 incidents in 2023.
He added that the decrease in cases was a result of the intensified campaign against illegal fireworks.
More Damage Expected
The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City expects the number of injured cases due to firecrackers to increase. So far, 21 patients have been admitted from December 21 to January 1.
The hospital warns the public not to pick up unexploded fireworks.
Confiscated Fireworks
Almost ₱70,000 worth of illegal fireworks, including improvised cannons or boga, were confiscated in Manila. According to Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay of the Manila Police District, most of the confiscated items were in Baseco and Parola Compound in Tondo.
Children using fireworks such as pla-pla, boga, Judas belt, and kwitis are the majority of those caught.
