Firecracker-related injuries climb to 52

CEBU, Philippines — The total number of firework-related injuries (FWRI) has increased to 52, days before the New Year’s Eve celebration, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

As of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Herbosa said that hospitals had documented 24 new cases of FWRI, with 23 of them being male, inflicting individuals ranging from five to 52 years old.

The health secretary also mentioned that 11 instances of FWRI took place in residential areas. Other cases occurred on the streets, and one case happened at an assigned area for a fireworks display.

Sixteen of the FWRI involved illegal firecrackers.

Citing information from the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau, Herbosa said that five instances of FWRI led to finger and hand amputation. Of which, three cases involved individuals under the age of 18.

“Fireworks related injuries can cause permanent disabilities,” Herbosa said in a post in X (formerly Twitter).

Of the 52 FWRI, the National Capital Region has 20 cases, Region 3 logged six cases and Region 12 recorded five cases. The DOH said that these regions contribute to six out of every ten cases.

Last January, the DOH tallied a total of 262 FWRI which they said was 15% lower than the five-year average of 308 cases.

Generally Peaceful

Meanwhile, the peace and order committee of the Cebu City Council is hopeful to sustain the generally peaceful Christmas celebration in the city.

Despite having two recorded firecracker-related incidents reported in the city, Councilor Philip Zafra, chairman of the said committee, assessed that the overall celebration of Christmas in Cebu City has been generally peaceful.

In a text message sent to The Freeman on Tuesday, Zafra said there were at least two firecracker-related incidents being recorded. One injured was a seven-year-old due to a “lantaka” from Barangay Agsungot and a 14-year-old from Barangay Pardo who suffered injuries from a whistle bomb.

As of this writing, these two minors were identified as outpatients and only sustained minor injuries.

“Wala gyuy mga dagko nga reported incident nga nakapatay-og sa kahapsay ug kalinaw sa syudad labi na sa recent nine-day Misa de Gallo,” said Zafra.

He added that he is hopeful that this will be sustained for the New Year’s celebration up until the Sinulog 2024.

Zafra also said that they also observed a decline in the usage of firecrackers in the city in comparison to the past ten to 20 years.

“Karon wala na. So the people are learning….so ni evolve na jud atong mga kaigsuonan karon,” said Zafra.

“Seldom nalang kaayo ang magpabuto. So nalipay sad ta kay safe,” he added.

To recall, for the implementation of peace and order in the city, there were various force multipliers being deployed aside from the police force being spread out.

Among those that the peace and order have been focusing on during the Christmas season is the monitoring of minors on the implementation of curfew especially during the Misa de Gallo.

“Wala kaayo tay giingon nga na rescue, and as I have said that compared to last year naka learn nasad og lesson ang mga bata and mga parents, or mga guardian. Nalipay ta nga natutolan ang sitwasyon especially sa Parian,” said Zafra. — Iris Hazel A. Mascardo (FREEMAN)