Firecracker injuries up 62%; 3 hit by stray bullets

MANILA, Philippines — Fireworks-related injuries rose to 307 yesterday after 16 new cases were reported.

In its latest surveillance report, the Department of Health (DOH) said the injuries were 62 percent higher compared to the 189 recorded in 2021.

Two more stray bullet incidents, which have yet to be validated, were also reported, bringing the total to three.

A 14-year-old boy from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and a 27-year-old woman from Calabarzon were said to be the latest victims.

The DOH had earlier reported that a 64-year-old woman was wounded by a stray bullet from a gun fired by her nephew in Malate, Manila hours after the New Year revelry.

The DOH said kwitis still topped the list of firecrackers that caused injuries with 65; boga, 35, and Five Star, 23.

Fifty-one percent or 157 of those injured actually used firecrackers.

Fifty-one of those injured were drunk while 32 were hospitalized.

Metro Manila recorded the highest number of firecracker-related injuries with 139 followed by Western Visayas, 37, and Ilocos, 33.

The DOH said there was no reported death or any case of fireworks ingestion.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded the public still using firecrackers days after the New Year festivities ended to be careful.

“Let us avoid lighting firecrackers, especially those that are considered illegal,” she said at yesterday’s press briefing.