MANILA: The number of fireworks-related injuries reported in the Philippines from December 22, 2024, to January 2, 2025, has reached 534, marking a 9.8 percent decrease from the same period last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Health (DOH) released an advisory on Thursday, noting that three new cases were recorded on the eve of January 1, 2025, 188 on December 31, and three on preceding days. The total number of injuries during this period last year was 592.
The data reveals that 322 of the cases involved victims aged 19 and below, while 212 were aged 20 and above. A gender breakdown shows that 443 males and 91 females were affected. The DOH highlighted that skyrockets, locally known as "kwitis," are the leading cause of these injuries, followed by improvised cannons called "boga," unknown firecrackers, five-star fireworks, and whistle bombs.
The Department of Health continues to advise the public to avoid using illegal fireworks to prevent injuries, which can include blindness, loss of body parts, hearing damage, and burns.
