The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Thursday, Jan. 2, that firecracker-related injuries have risen to 534.
Data from 60 out of its 62 sentinel sites revealed that the latest number of injuries is “lower” compared to the figures reported on the same day last year.
The latest number of cases, according to the DOH, is 9.8 percent lower than last year’s total of 592.
Of the 534 cases, 443 were male and 91 were female.
DOH data showed that 322 of the victims were aged 19 and below, while the remaining 212 cases involved individuals aged 20 and above.
The DOH also reported that “kwitis” was the leading cause of injuries, followed by boga, 5-star, whistle bomb, and several lesser-known firecrackers.
A total of 356 victims suffered skin burns, while 28 underwent amputation procedures, the DOH noted.
The data indicated that three cases were recorded on Jan. 1, 188 cases on Dec. 31, and three more in the days prior.
While the number of cases recorded this year is lower compared to 2024, the DOH acknowledged the possibility of late reporting for some cases.
In a press conference, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that the number of cases might still increase until Jan. 6. “Pero bumaba talaga yung cases, and hindi ko na ie-expect na tataas talaga ito (The cases have really declined, and I’m not expecting them to rise significantly),” he said.
As young people continue to be the primary victims of firework-related injuries, Herbosa urged the public to seek medical attention, even for minor firecracker injuries, to prevent complications such as tetanus.
He also reminded the public to wet unexploded fireworks with water and avoid picking up unexploded fireworks from the road.
The DOH advised cleaning the surroundings to ensure no leftover fireworks or gunpowder remain.
Herbosa emphasized that parents and guardians should remain vigilant and supervise children to prevent them from using leftover firecrackers.
“Children should not be allowed to play with fireworks, even with adult supervision,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.