Firecrackers kill 1, injure 4; total incidents reach 125 this year

A 78-year-old man died and four new firecracker-related injuries were reported in the Philippines on Saturday, December 28, bringing the total number of such incidents this year to 125.

Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo announced that the deceased was from Central Luzon and had been admitted with Judas belt injuries on December 22, succumbing to complications including infection on December 27.

The Department of Health (DOH) noted that most victims are children, with 102 minors affected so far. Eye damage is the most common injury, followed by hand and head injuries.

According to Domingo, firecracker-related injuries from December 21 to 28 this year increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2023.

The DOH emphasized that fireworks should only be handled by professionals and called on Filipinos to stop using them to ensure safety, stressing that online sales and tutorials contribute to injuries.