FILE PHOTO: Fireworks on display at a store in this photo taken in Guinobatan town, Albay. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Fireworks-related injuries increased to eight after four more were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH said in a statement Saturday that the additional four injuries were logged from 6 a.m. on December 22 until 5:59 a.m. on December 23.
All four victims were children ages 8 to 12.
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Three of the victims were injured by illegal fireworks while the other one was injured by legal fireworks.
The DOH said illegal fireworks like boga, piccolo, 5-star, Baby Dynamite, and Goodbye Philippines caused most of the eight cases.
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“Parents should watch over their children and lead by example by using noise-making alternatives,” it said, reiterating its call for the police, local government units, and barangay officials to stop the sale of fireworks and instead opt for community fireworks displays.
“The DOH, on orders of President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.], can and will take care of trauma and injuries; however, the family and community is still the best place to start saving lives,” it added.