Fireworks-related injuries rise to 10 in just 5 days

MANILA, Philippines — Ten cases of fireworks-related injuries nationwide have been reported less than a week before the New Year, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday amid calls for a total ban of firecrackers.

In an initial report, DOH said the 10 reported injuries were recorded by 61 health centers from December 21 at 6 a.m. to December 26 5:59 a.m.

“There were six additional cases of fireworks-related injuries reported by the 61 sentinel hospitals,” read the report.

“These bring the total to 10 cases from 6:00AM December 21, 2020 to 5:59 AM December 26, 2020,” it added.

Of the 10, two each were reported from Bicol Region and Metro Manila; one each from Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen.

DOH said 90 percent, or nine of the injured patients were sent home after being treated. Only one patient is still being treated at the hospital.

Meanwhile, the nation’s health department noted that no firework ingestion and stray bullet incidents were reported.

DOH previously reported a 35-percent decrease in firecracker-related injuries during the period of December 21, 2019 to January 1, 2020.

This year, almost all mayors in Metro Manila have agreed to ban the use and sale of all kinds of firecrackers during the holiday season, while some local government units, such as Mandaluyong, opted instead to just regulate firecrackers.— with a report from Zac Sarao, trainee

EDV