EDITORIAL - Preventable deaths

The new year 2025 saw the death of two people here in Cebu as a result of firecrackers or fireworks.

In Purok Mangga, Barangay Candulawan, Talisay City, a 10-year-old boy died after an illegal firecracker called “Goodbye Philippines” exploded right in front of his face and chest. The explosion was strong enough to send shrapnel into his heart and kill him.

Also in Talisay City a man lost his life after a firework called bombshell went off in his face. He and others watched as six rounds of the bombshell went off. When the seventh round failed to launch on time, he went to closely inspect the firework only to have the last round launch into his face.

These two victims join the five people recorded nationwide who died as a result of firecracker or fireworks as of this writing. As of press time the number of injuries was also 704, but this is still expected to rise as reports are consolidated.

The sad thing about injuries or deaths involving firecrackers or fireworks is that they are completely preventable. This means unlike those injuries or deaths that happen as a result of vehicular accidents, natural disasters, or even random acts of violence, injuries or deaths as a result of firecrackers or fireworks can be totally avoided --by not using them in the first place.

The Department of Health as well as other government aren’t lacking when it comes to issuing advisories and warning people against using illegal firecrackers or fireworks to celebrate the new year, but then again it seems that some people, mostly the young ones, just cannot resist the allure of smoke, sight, and sound.

Indeed, a little light and noise can be enthralling. Fireworks can even be beautiful when used safely and professionally. But when people go to the length of buying illegal firecrackers to get their kicks and cause a little excitement, then they must be prepared to pay the price.

Sometimes they price is their eyesight, sometimes the price is a few fingers or an entire limb, but sometimes the price is their very life.

Those who lost their lives to firecrackers or fireworks can no longer speak for themselves, but ironically they can still serve as the best examples for why people shouldn’t engage in this particularly risky behavior anymore.