By MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reported a rise in firework-related injuries, reaching a total of 69 as of Thursday, December 26.
In a statement, the DOH noted 26 new injuries recorded between 6 a.m. on December 25 and 6 a.m. on December 26.
This year’s 69 firework-related injuries from December 22 to 26 are significantly lower compared to the 98 cases recorded during the same period in 2023. Notably, the 26 injuries reported between December 25 and 26 make up half the 52 cases documented during the same timeframe last year.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that most firecracker-related injuries involved individuals aged 19 years or younger, accounting for 80% of the cases. The remaining 20% were aged 20 years or older.
“Children and minors remain the majority of firecracker users and victims,” the DOH stated in Filipino.
Among the 69 reported cases, 65 were male and only four were female. Notably, 51 incidents occurred during the active lighting of fireworks. Additionally, 59 of the cases were linked to the use of illegal firework products, particularly “boga,” an improvised firecracker.
