Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 51 more firecracker-related injuries, raising the total to 262, or 42% higher than the count during the same period last year.
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The DOH also noted, however, that the tally is 15% lower compared to the five-year average of 308 cases covering the same timeline.
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Its report showed Metro Manila recorded the highest number of cases at 127. Western Visayas came next with 31, followed by Ilocos Region with 23, and Central Luzon with 22.
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Around half or 133 of the victims were actively involved in using the firecrackers, the DOH said. Some 80% of the victims were male, ages 1 to 80.
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The data also showed 29% of the total cases sustained eye injuries, while 6% had blast/burn wounds which required amputation. The hand was the most commonly affected body part at 92 cases or 35%, while ‘kwitis’ – a legal firework – was the most common cause of injury at 54 cases or 21%.
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No death has been reported, the DOH said.
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Meanwhile, citing a police report, the department said a senior citizen from the City of Manila was wounded due to a stray bullet at around 3 a.m. on Jan. 1. According to authorities, the 64-year-old woman was on her way to her brother-in-law’s home when the incident occurred.
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“The case was immediately rushed to UP-Philippine General Hospital for assessment and medical management,” the DOH said.
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