Fireworks. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reported 16 more fireworks-related injuries, increasing the total count to 28 ahead of the New Year celebration.
Data from DOH showed that from 6:00 a.m. on December 24 to 5:59 a.m. on December 25, 15 males and one female were wounded due to firecrackers. Their ages range from six to 35 years old.
The DOH said 94 percent of the latest cases occurred at home or on the street. It also said that 31 percent happened in Metro Manila.
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One of the 16 new cases was a passive onlooker. He suffered an eye injury, according to the agency, adding that seven of them were caused by government-approved firecrackers.
Of the the total number of fireworks-related injuries, 10 were labeled as passive bystanders or spectators.
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“It is unsafe to use any fireworks, legal or illegal, at home or nearby streets. Many victims are not even involved in lighting them,” the DOH said.
“There is a legal basis and a moral duty for local leaders and the police to ensure safety from fireworks,” it added.