ILOCOS REGION: The Department of Health in the Ilocos Region has reported a notable decrease in fireworks-related injuries during the recent holiday season, with 105 cases recorded from December 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025. This marks a 17 percent reduction from the 126 incidents reported during the same period in the previous year. Despite the decline in injuries, the region experienced one fatality, mirroring last year's figures.
According to Philippines News Agency, the single casualty was a 44-year-old male from Dagupan City who sustained a fatal nasal injury while attempting to light a firecracker during the New Year's celebrations. Dr. Rheuel Bobis, a medical officer with the Department of Health in the region, provided details of the incident in a phone interview.
Pangasinan province reported the highest number of injuries, totaling 55 cases, though this represents a 37 percent decrease from the prior year's 88 cases. Other provinces, including La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte, recorded 22, 20, and eight cases respectively, with all three experiencing increases compared to the previous year.
Bobis attributed the overall reduction in fireworks-related injuries to effective campaigns by both national and local government offices against the use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics. "The local government units and other national government agencies have come together to send a message to the people to avoid firecrackers and instead use alternative noisemakers," he said.
"Boga," an improvised cannon device, was identified as the leading cause of injuries, accounting for 30 percent of the incidents, followed by devices like the five-star firecracker, sky rocket, baby rocket, and whistle bomb. Most victims suffered burn or blast injuries, according to Bobis.
Hospitals in the region will continue to operate under a Code White Alert until January 6. This alert status ensures that all hospitals are fully prepared to handle any medical emergencies that might arise during the extended holiday weekend. Code White Alert also requires all health professionals and personnel to be on standby, ready to respond to emergencies at any time.
