Metro Manila, Philippines – The revelry in the runup to the new year saw 235 firework-related injuries nationwide, according to official data, despite the government’s repeated reminders against the dangers of using fireworks to greet 2026.
The number from Dec. 21 to 4 a.m. of Jan. 1 was 42% lower than the 403 cases year-on-year, the Health Department said, but added that the number may still rise as surveillance goes on until Jan. 5, when the final report is released.
Data showed that 161 of the victims were 19 years old and below, caused by boga or improvised cannon, and 5 Star, a banned firecracker, among others.
Health spokesperson Albert Domingo said it is hopeful of better figures ahead.
“Even as we see today a lower-than-last-year count for fireworks-related injuries, the DOH anticipates that late reports will come in from today, Jan. 1, all the way to Jan. 5. We hope the lower count will stay,” Domingo said in a statement.
He urged the public to immediately bring anyone with firework-related cases to the nearest hospital for treatment, especially against tetanus infection.
“Symptoms do not appear until around eight days, some up to 21 days later, and they can be deadly. Vaccination against tetanus is available at hospitals,” Domingo said.
The DOH said the data came from 62 sentinel hospitals – or monitored institutions – nationwide.
