Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 125 fireworks-related injuries over the past nine days, marking a 27-percent decrease from the 171 cases logged during the same period in 2024. The National Capital Region registered the highest number of cases at 57, followed by the Ilocos Region with 12 and Central Luzon with 11.
According to Philippines News Agency, children aged 5 to 14, mostly males, accounted for the largest proportion of cases with 63 injuries. The DOH identified the main causes of these injuries as the 5-star firecracker, unknown fireworks, improvised cannon (boga), kwitis (mini skyrocket), unlabeled or imported products, and whistle bomb. The DOH reminded the public that although kwitis and whistle bomb are considered legal fireworks and sold by licensed dealers, they remain hazardous, especially to children. The DOH emphasized that children should never be allowed to handle any kind of firework, whether legal or illegal. The monitoring period for these injuries started on December 21.
In a separate report, the DOH recorded 215 cases of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) during the current monitoring period, with acute stroke accounting for the largest share at 135 cases. The report noted that 56 cases involved acute coronary syndrome or heart attack, while 24 were due to bronchial asthma. The DOH indicated that brain attack and heart attack were more common among males, while bronchial asthma mostly involved females.
The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) reported receiving 675 calls through its Hotline 1553 over the same period, with the highest daily volume observed on December 23. Young adults aged 18 to 30 were the most frequent callers, followed by those aged 31 to 43, with females constituting the majority of callers. According to the NCMH, the top concerns raised included anxiety and depressive symptoms, love and relationship issues, and family-related problems. The agency reminded the public that Hotline 1553 is always accessible to individuals seeking mental health support or crisis intervention.
