This file photo was taken in Guinobatan town, Albay. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Five injuries linked to fireworks were recorded from December 21 to 25, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Sunday.
The figure is 50-percent lower than the 10 cases logged during the same period last year.
“Sa kasalukuyan, ang kabuuang bilang ng mga kaso ng pinsala dulot ng paputok ay lima (5) na sa ngayon ay 50% na mas mababa kumpara sa naitala noong nakaraang taon sa sakop na petsa,” the agency said in a statement.
(Currently, the total cases of injuries brought by fireworks are five which is 50 percent lower compared to cases last year during the same period.)
The health agency advised the public to avoid fireworks to be safe during the holiday season.
“Umiwas sa paputok para maaaring magdiwang nang kumpleto at ligtas ang buong pamilya ngayong Pasko at Bagong Taon!” it said.
(Avoid firecrackers to be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year completely and safely with families.)
The department encouraged the public to use alternative means such as loudspeakers, horns, pots, and pans to celebrate the New Year.
The country has been “continuously” seeing a downtrend of fireworks-related injuries since 2016, the DOH said.
Earlier, the DOH placed its hospitals on “high alert” for patients injured with fireworks.