Metro Manila, Philippines – A total of 152 cases of firecracker-related injuries were reported on New Year, according to the Department of the Health’s (DOH) data on Wednesday morning.
The agency said this is 64 percent lower than the cases logged on the same day in 2024.
As of Jan. 1, 6 a.m., a total of 340 people were hurt due to firecracker explosions. DOH said the tally is 34% less than the 519 cases recorded year-on-year.
The agency noted that the majority of the victims were youth, with 239 cases involving individuals aged 19 years and below; 202 cases were due to illegal firecrackers such as boga, 5-star, and piccolo.
At Tondo Medical Center in Manila, the youngest victim is a one-year old.
“Natalsikan ng [The baby caught burns from a firework] fountain,” the hospital’s Surgery Department Chief Resident Nicholo Bulseco told reporters in an interview.
“Minor na burn lang ‘yung natamo ng bata. Hindi naman kailangang i-admit,” he noted.
[Translation: The baby got minor burns and does not need to be admitted.]
A nine-year-old boy’s face and hand were also burned after looking closely into combined scrap firecrackers.
“‘Di rin masisi, bata rin ‘yung nakapag-ano sa kanya. ‘Di naman din alam ng bata ‘yun,” his mother Teresa Lacsamana said.
[Translation: We cannot blame the kid who set fire to the firecrackers. It was not intentional.]
“Masakit kasi mabu-bully siya dahil sa itsura niya. ‘Di na mababalik,” she added as she wept.
[Translation: It hurts knowing that he could be bullied because of the scar on his face. It will not return to the way it was.]
Aside from children, adults were also hurt by firecrackers.
A man sustained wounds on his hands, feet, and belly when a “Goodbye Philippines” firecracker blew as he was walking to a store to buy cigarettes.
“Syempre Bagong Taon, ‘yun ang impact na paputok talaga, malakas,” Albert Fernandez said. “Nakita ko ‘yung damit ko puro butas-butas talaga.”
[Translation: Of course, it’s New Year, the impact of firecrackers are significant. I saw my shirt got holes.]
The DOH reminded the public to seek immediate medical attention if they are injured by firecrackers.
