MANILA: As the Philippines welcomed the New Year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a significant decrease in fireworks-related injuries, with figures down 64% compared to the previous year. A total of 340 injuries were recorded from December 22, 2024, to the morning of January 1, 2025, indicating a marked reduction from the 519 cases reported by January 1, 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, the decline was observed despite 141 new cases being reported from 46 out of the 62 sentinel sites. Illegal firecrackers were responsible for the majority of injuries, with 202 cases, or 59%, attributed to devices such as boga (improvised cannon), five star, and piccolo. Additionally, 54.7% of the injured were active participants who lit the fireworks themselves.

The data further revealed that 239 of those injured were below the age of 19, while 101 were 20 years old and above. The majority of victims were male, with 299 males injured compared to 41 females. The DOH continues to emphasize the importance of avoiding illegal fireworks to prevent injuries such as blindness, loss of hearing, burns, and loss of body parts.