Fireworks-related injuries rise to 112

As the New Year revelry approaches, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported more than 100 people with fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) nationwide.

- By MAYEN ALQUITRAN

Data from the 62 DOH sentinel sites showed a total of 112 FWRIs from Dec. 21 to 28.

The current figure, the DOH said, is 26 percent lower than the recorded FWRIs during the same period last year.

The bulk or 52 of the total cases were recorded in Metro Manila.

The Ilocos Region followed with 12, while both Central Luzon and Western Visayas posted nine cases each.

The majority of the cases belong to the five to 14-year age group. Males also accounted for 55 of the total FWRIs.

Five-star was the firecracker that topped the cause of FWRIs, but many of the patients could not recall which fireworks led to their injury. Several said they were just passive victims.

Other leading causes of FWRIs are firecrackers such as boga, kwitis, piccolo, pla-pla and whistle bomb.

The DOH also recorded a total of 376 road crashes nationwide. The number is 5.76 percent less compared to the same period in 2024.

Males and those aged 15 to 29 years were the most affected by the road accidents. Motorcycles accounted for 73 percent of the cases.

10,906 illegal fireworks destroyed in Ilocos

In Ilocos, the Philippine National Police destroyed more than 10,000 illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, as part of the PNP’s intensified campaign to ensure safe New Year celebrations.

Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) over the weekend conducted the ceremonial destruction of 10,906 confiscated illegal firecrackers, including improvised cannons or boga, seized during sustained operations across the region.