BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health-Negros Island Region-Center for Health Development said 37 individuals were injured by firecrackers in the region as of Tuesday, Dec. 30.
Negros Occidental logged the highest cases at 23, followed by Negros Oriental with 13, and this highly-urbanized city with one. No cases were reported in Siquijor.
According to the DOH-NIR, most victims were age 18 and below, with the youngest at five-years-old.
Victims were injured by Whistle Bomb, Cannon, Kwitis, Triangle, Boga, Lantaka, Sky Rocket, Five Star, Candle Bomb, Sparkler, and an unknown firecracker.
The agency reminded the people to avoid using firecrackers and instead use alternatives like whistles, trumpet or "torotot," and drums.
The DOH-NIR encouraged the public to watch community fireworks.
Local government units (LGUs) holding such activity are Dumaguete City, San Jose, Bais City, Basay, Siaton, and Jimalalud in Negros Oriental; and Bacolod City, Pulupandan, Calatrava, Talisay City, E.B. Magalona, and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental.
“Iwasan ang paputok at piliin ang ligtas na selebrasyon para sa buong pamilya,” the DOH-NIR said.
(Avoid firecrackers and celebrate the New Year safely with the family)
The DOH-NIR said in case of burns or wounds from firecrackers, wash immediately with antibacterial soap and clean water, go to the nearest health facility for assessment and treatment, and report and refer any firework-related incident to the health facility.
It said that final reporting of these incidents will be on Jan. 6.