Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Health reported on Friday the number of firework-related injuries recorded over the New Year could still increase as officials continue to validate late reports.
Health spokesperson Albert Domingo said more than 300 additional cases may be added to the 235 incidents reported on early Thursday, Jan. 1.
The DOH’s epidemiology bureau is still collecting and verifying data, Domingo said, noting that the final tally could exceed initial figures as delayed reports are consolidated.
Earlier, the DOH reported at least 235 firework-related injuries nationwide from Dec. 21, 2025, to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, a 42% decrease from the 403 cases recorded during the same period last year.
The agency said the most common causes of injuries were unidentified firecrackers, homemade cannons known as boga, and 5-Star firecrackers.
Domingo urged the public to seek immediate medical attention for fireworks-related injuries and said tetanus vaccinations are available free of charge at government hospitals.
