8 injured by firecrackers ahead of New Year revelries

UNLICENSED Police seize firecrackers from a makeshift factory in San Ildefonso town, Bulacan, on Sunday for operating without permits and license, as authorities intensify their campaign against illegal makers of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. —BULACAN POLICE PHOTO

At least eight minors were reported injured due to firecrackers, more than a week before the New Year revelries, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Based on the fireworks-related injury surveillance of the DOH issued on Saturday, four new cases were recorded from 6 a.m. of Dec. 22 to 5:59 a.m. of Dec. 23.

The four new injuries, all boys aged 8 to 12, brought the total number of wounded individuals so far this year to eight.

On Friday, there were also four injuries due to firecracker use. They were all boys 6 to 12 years old, the DOH noted.

Of the total eight cases, three were injured due to “boga,” two to “piccolo,” and one each to 5-star, baby dynamite, and goodbye Philippines.

All of the firecrackers, except for baby dynamite, are illegal for use in the country. The boga and 5-star are among the top causes of firecracker injuries. —Kathleen de Villa

READ: 3 hurt in firecracker blast in Imus City