DAGUPAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos region recorded 20 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) from Dec. 21 to 26.
The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Data said 40 percent of injuries were caused by unlabeled and imported firecrackers and five percent were due to Five Star.
Pangasinan recorded 12 cases, four in Ilocos Sur, and four in La Union.
One victim suffered amputation and another sustained an eye injury.
“These early cases recorded clearly show that firecracker injuries do not happen only on New Year’s Eve. Even days before the New Year, lives and limbs are already being put at risk,” DOH-Ilocos Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said.
She said that most FWRI cases involved children and young individuals 10- to 16-years-old.
They sustained burns, hand, and finger injuries, eye trauma, and blast-related wounds, resulting in permanent disability and long-term physical and emotional consequences.
The DOH has issued a nationwide advisory, “Ligtas Christmas,” to ensure a safe, healthy, and injury-free holiday season by promoting injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and responsible celebration.