(MB FILE PHOTO)
A total of 140 fireworks-related injuries were recorded across the country from Dec. 21 to Dec. 30, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.
The agency said the data came from 62 sentinel hospitals.
According to the DOH, 95 of the victims were aged 19 years old and below, accounting for 68 percent of the total cases.
Meanwhile, the health department said 32 percent were 20 years old and above.
The DOH noted that 5-star firecrackers and boga topped the list of injury causes, alongside unidentified fireworks in cases where patients could no longer identify the exact device used.
The agency urged the public to seek immediate medical attention in the event of fireworks-related accidents.
“Tumawag agad sa National Emergency Hotline 911 para emergency medical assistance (Call the National Emergency Hotline 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance),” the DOH said.
The latest figure is lower than the 182 firework-related injury cases recorded on Dec. 30, 2024, the DOH noted.
Firecrackers remain dangerous
DOH officials continue to remind the public to avoid using fireworks and to prioritize safety, especially for children, as the New Year revelries approach.
Earlier, DOH Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Director Tina Marasigan said firecrackers continue to pose dangers to the public, whether legally or illegally sold.
“Pinapaalala pa rin ng kagawaran na mapanganib ang paputok, ilegal man o legal na ibinebenta (The department continues to remind the public that firecrackers are dangerous, whether illegally or legally sold),” she said.
The DOH stressed smoke from firecrackers poses a higher asthma risk to children and senior citizens.