CARAGA: The Department of Health in Caraga Region (DOH-13) has reported a total of seven firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season from December 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Of these incidents, three injuries occurred during the New Year celebrations, underscoring ongoing concerns about safety during festivities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the majority of the firecracker victims were minors, with five out of the seven injured being children between the ages of eight and twelve. These young victims suffered from wounds and burn injuries, highlighting the dangers associated with firecracker usage. The youngest victim, an eight-year-old boy from Sison town, Surigao del Norte, sustained a lacerated wound on his upper lip from a firecracker known as "Lata de Ca±on."

The oldest individual injured was a 46-year-old man from Trento town, Agusan del Sur, who suffered an eye injury caused by a "Picolo" firecracker. The geographical distribution of the injuries included three cases in Agusan del Sur, two in Surigao del Norte, and one each in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City.

The DOH-13 reported that all victims were discharged after receiving necessary medical treatment, indicating that the injuries, while significant, were not life-threatening. The agency's data reflects ongoing challenges in curbing firecracker-related incidents despite awareness campaigns and safety regulations.