SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Health (DOH)-Region 1 has recorded 222 fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) from December 21 to January 4.
Dr. Rheuel Bobis, Medical Officer IV of DOH-Region 1, said the number of cases is 123 incidents or 124 percent more compared to the same period in 2022 with 99.
Pangasinan has the highest number of cases with 149, La Union, 29; Ilocos Norte, 25; and Ilocos Sur, 19.
Victims were mostly injured by Kwitis, unlabeled firecracker, Luces, Whistle Bomb, and “boga” or improvised cannon.
Bobis said 183 were males and 39 were females aged two to 77 but most of the victims were between 10 to 14.
He confirmed one fatality due to firecracker injuries in Region 1: A 38-year-old from Dagupan City.
Bobis said they will continue monitoring FWRIs until January 6.