Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — An additional 24 injuries related to firecrackers and fireworks were recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) as of 6 a.m. the day after Christmas, bringing the total count to 52, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said on Tuesday.
On a post in X (formerly Twitter), Herbosa said the latest 24 cases occurred either at home, in the streets, or at a designated fireworks area.
DOH
SUMMARY CASE PROFILE OF 24 NEW CASES:
– Age range: 5-52 years (Median: 13.2)
– Male: 23
– Occurred at home: 11, Street: 11, Designated area: 1, Others: 1
– Active: 21
– Illegal: 16— Teddy Herbosa MD ❎ (@Teddybird) December 26, 2023
The health chief said the age range among the cases is from 5 to 52 years old, setting the median age at 13.2.
Of the 52 total cases, 16 were caused by illegal fireworks and/or pyrotechnic devices, which include Boga, Plapla, Five-star, and Goodbye Philippines firecrackers.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source, Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag said 20 of the total cases were from the capital region.
Tayag added that five cases required amputations.
“We have to remind people that as the New Year comes closer and closer, we should prevent more of these injuries. A trip to the hospital is not something that you want on New Year’s Day,” the official said.
READ: Call to ban firecrackers raised anew
The first four injuries related to firecrackers and fireworks were reported on Dec. 22, when the DOH began monitoring.
The cases rose from 12 to 28 on data from Dec. 24.
On Christmas Day, the department said 10 out of the earlier total of 28 (36%) were cases with patients declared to have “passive involvement” in the incidents.
Latest data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed a total of 34,153 confiscated firecrackers. Of this number. 9,542 are five-stars, 4,661 pla-pla, and 78 boga.
The PNP said the estimated value of confiscated firecrackers is now at P190,390.
