Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 30) — More than a hundred Filipinos have suffered fireworks-related injuries in just over a week, with the Department of Health (DOH) recording 11 new cases as of Saturday morning.
The official tally has climbed to 107 from the time DOH started reporting injuries this holiday season on Dec. 22.
A 72-year-old man from Metro Manila was among the new cases, the oldest reported victim so far this year, according to the DOH. He sustained burns and abrasions due to “kwitis” (skyrocket) lit by someone else on the street.
A six-year-old child was also among the newly injured, along with a 19-year-old male who actively used “pla-pla” and had to be amputated after the prohibited firecrackers left one of his hands mangled.
The DOH said all of the new cases occurred either at home or on the streets.
“The trends in data are clear and consistent: fireworks related injuries happen at home or nearby, involving mostly young boys, but also affecting passive onlookers of any age or sex,” the department said in an advisory.
It also urged everyone to simply watch community fireworks displays from a safe distance.
Of the total 107 injuries, the DOH said 41 happened in Metro Manila, the highest among regions nationwide.
Central Luzon and Ilocos Region came next in the ranking with 12 cases each, followed by Soccsksargen with seven, and Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Calabarzon, and Western Visayas with five each.
