Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The end of 2016 is fast-approaching, and the Filipino tradition of welcoming the New Year with firecrackers continues.
The Department of Health (DOH) said there are 115 confirmed cases of injuries due to lighting up firecrackers, with one other incident of firework ingestion, from December 21 to December 30, 6 a.m.
This brings the total number of firecracker-related injuries to 116. Health officials say this figure is 38% lower compared to the total during the same period last year.
The National Capital Region has the largest number of victims with 63.
Among the victims, 108 are males, and 89 are below 15 years old.
Illegal fireworks Piccolo and Boga topped the list, with 69 and 11 victims each.
The health department reminds the public that Republic Act No. 7183 only allows firecrackers such as Baby Rocket, Bawang, Small Triangulo, Pulling of strings, Paper Caps, El Diablo, Watusi, Judah’s Belt, and Sky Rocket.
Pyrotechnic devices such as Sparklers, Luces, Roman Candles, Fountains, Mabuhay, Airwolf, Trompillo, Butterfly, and Whistle devices are also allowed.
DOH discourages the public from using illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in welcoming the year. They advise the public to use alternative noisemakers instead, such as torotot or horns, or playing loud music instead.
