Antique: Nine firecracker or fireworks-related injuries were reported in Antique from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026, marking a decrease from the 20 reported injuries during the same period last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Irene Duldoco of the Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) stated that the victims, consisting of eight men and one woman, received treatment at various hospitals across the province. The injuries, described as minor, affected different parts of the victims' bodies due to firecrackers. The injured individuals hailed from Anini-y, Bugasong, Laua-an, Culasi, Patnongon, Sibalom, and Pandan.
The types of firecrackers involved included Kamara, whistle bombs, boga (improvised cannon), triangle, and kwitis. Duldoco emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of firecracker-related injuries until January 5 and urged parents to supervise their children to prevent accidents involving unexploded firecrackers.
The province's eight district hospitals and the IPHO are on Code White Alert, prepared to address any firecracker-related injuries until January 6. In contrast, no fire incidents related to firecrackers were reported during the holidays, attributed to the successful implementation of Oplan Paalalala Iwas Paputok.
Senior Fire Inspection Officer Jefferson Cordero credited the lack of fire incidents to local government ordinances in Culasi, Laua-an, and Sebaste, which regulate the sale of firecrackers and designate specific display areas. These regulations likely deterred retailers from applying for special business permits.
In addition to firecracker incidents, the Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported a drowning incident in Pandan and two vehicular accidents during the holidays. PDRRMO chief Broderick Train stated that the office will maintain a blue alert status, with personnel on standby for emergencies until January 4. The office is currently focusing on 'beach watch' due to increased tourist activities, and Train advised commuters to exercise caution while traveling back to their workplaces or provinces.
