DOH records 832 firecracker injuries, 4 deaths from Dec 22 to Jan 5

From December 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 832 firecracker-related injuries nationwide, marking a 37% increase from the same period last year and including four fatalities.

The total number includes 491 victims aged 19 years old or below and 341 aged 20 or above, predominantly male at 685 cases compared to 147 female cases.

Illegal firecrackers such as kwitis, 5-star, and boga remain the main cause of related injuries; however, in Northern Mindanao, there was a slight drop with 34 recorded injuries this year compared to 37 in 2023.

The DOH expects the number of firecracker-related injuries to continue increasing until its monitoring period ends on January 6.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reiterated his stance that a total ban on fireworks would be better for public safety, emphasizing the importance of community fireworks being conducted by professionals alone.