The Department of Health (DOH) reported Saturday that firework-related injuries have climbed to 57 during the current holiday season, with the vast majority of victims being children and teenagers.
In its latest surveillance update, the DOH noted that the 57 cases were recorded across 62 sentinel hospitals from December 21 through 4:00 a.m. on December 26.
Of these victims, 35 (approximately 61%) are aged 19 and below.
The report highlighted two severe cases involving minors. An 8-year-old boy lost his index finger and thumb due to a “whistle bomb” explosion, while a 16-year-old suffered the loss of two fingers after a “5-star” firecracker detonated.
Other victims sustained a range of injuries, including burns and multiple wounds to various parts of the body.
The National Capital Region (NCR) remains the area with the highest concentration of incidents, logging 25 of the total cases. Males between the ages of 10 and 14 have emerged as the most affected demographic.
Health officials identified the primary causes of these injuries as the 5-star, kwitis (skyrocket), boga (improvised PVC cannon), and triangulo.
Despite the rise in cases as the New Year approaches, the DOH observed that the current tally is 49% lower than the 112 injuries recorded during the same period in 2024.
The DOH continues to warn the public against the use of both legal and illegal pyrotechnics.
“The agency reminds the public that fireworks—whether sold illegally or legally—are dangerous,” the DOH said in its advisory.
Health authorities are urging local government units to organize community fireworks displays led by professionals and are advising parents to strictly supervise their children to prevent further accidents during the year-end celebrations.