AP file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 23 new fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) as of Wednesday morning (December 27).
This tally brings the total number of FWRI to 75 four days ahead of New Year’s Eve.
The new cases were recorded from 6 a.m. on December 26 to 5:59 a.m. on December 27.
“FWRI Report #6 (6:00 AM of Dec 26 to 5:59 AM of Dec 27) revealed twenty-three (23) new cases, ranging from 6 to 55 years old (average age: 12), mostly males (20),” DOH told reporters.
“All these new cases occurred at home and in the street,” the department said.
“Most were due to illegal fireworks (14, 61%), with active involvement (13, 57%),” it added in a Viber message.
DOH also said two male teenagers from Metro Manila and Central Luzon had their fingers amputated because of the ‘Pla-pla’ firecracker.
“One (1) amputation case yesterday was misreported; hence, the total number of amputations this season is now six (6),” it noted.
Thirty or equivalent to 40% of the 75 total FWRI cases were reported in Metro Manila.
“Ninety-six percent (96%) happened at home and in the streets, mostly by males with active involvement,” DOH said.
“Out of the 75 cases recorded thus far, the top ranking identified fireworks that cause 75% of FWRIs are boga* (16, 21%), 5-star* (14, 19%), kwitis (9, 12%), Piccolo* (6, 8%), Pla-Pla (5, 7%), Luces (3, 4%), and Whistle Bomb (3, 4%). Illegal fireworks in this list are marked with an asterisk,” it added.