Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Department of Health said firecracker-related injuries declined in 2016 compared to the year before.
Based on the final tally of the Department of Health (DOH), 630 fireworks-related injuries were recorded from December 21st to January 5th – 32 percent less from last year, and 34 percent less than the five-year average recorded from 2011 to 2015.
Of 630, three involved firecracker ingestion.
Majority of the cases were from Metro Manila with 340 — more than half of the total.
Piccolo is still the leading cause of injury, followed by kwitis, lucis, and five-star.
But what’s alarming was, majority of the victims were children 15 years old and below — they accounted for 351 or 56 percent of the total number of cases.
Zero casualties still the goal
In a statement, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial was thankful for the support given to the Health Department’s “Iwas Paputok” program by local government units and other agencies.
“We would like to extend our gratitude for the support of other national agencies, the local governments, non-government organizations, and the media for the anti-firecracker campaigns. We do hope that eventually we will attain zero casualties from fireworks during the holidays. The cooperation of local government units that organized public firework displays contributed to the success of this campaign.”
She added, “(W)e appeal to the public that if you have fireworks materials remaining at home, dispose them immediately by soaking them in water. Do not let our children be tempted to play with firecrackers and risk their safety.”
The DOH said the “Iwas Paputok” Campaign will not end this year, and it will continue to push for the approval of the ban of individual firecracker use to achieve its goal of zero casualties.
CNN Philippines correspondent Ivy Saunar contributed to this report.
