A total of 26 injuries related to fireworks have been recorded since Dec. 21, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
The DOH said that the 26 injuries were 86 percent higher compared to cases recorded last year which was only 14.
"All cases were injuries due to fireworks. There was no fireworks ingestion, stray bullet injury, or death reported,” the DOH said.
"Seven cases had blast/burn injury requiring amputation, 14 cases had blast/burn injury not requiring amputation, and six cases had an eye injury," it added.
Prohibited firecrackers such as boga, five-star, piccolo, and triangle accounted for the top causes of injuries.
Ahead of the New Year's Eve revelry, the DOH reminded the public to look for safer ways of merry-making.
“The DOH advises the public to put safety first and use alternatives to fireworks such as noise and light-producing devices like sound systems, bells, pans, or tambourines in order to prevent debilitating and life-threatening injuries,” it said.
“The public may also opt to participate in community fireworks displays following minimum health protocols to prevent possible superspreader events for COVID-19,” it added.
“Local government units are likewise encouraged to intensify the campaign on ‘Iwas Paputok’ and enforcement of Executive Order No. 28 series of 2017 ‘Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices,’” it furthered.