DOH confirms two more cases of New Year stray bullet injuries

Facade of the Department of Health office in Manila. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday confirmed two more cases of stray bullet injuries (SBIs), bringing the total to three.

In a bulletin, the DOH said that a 28-year-old man from the National Capital Region (NCR) and a 60-year-old man from the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) sustained wounds from stray bullets, resulting in fractures in different parts of their bodies.

“Close coordination is ongoing between DOH and the PNP for all reports of SBIs [stray bullet injuries],” the DOH noted.

The two SBIs were reported alongside 26 new cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI), with the youngest victim being six years old.

This brings the total FWRI to 585, of which, 581 were due to fireworks, one was due to watusi ingestion, and three SBIs.

According to the DOH, nine out of 10, or 88 percent of those who sustained FWRIs, were males.

The department further said that almost all of the newly recorded FWRI, or 96 percent, occurred at home and in the streets.

“Majority (13, 52%) of cases were due to LEGAL fireworks. Nine (35%) individuals were hospitalized due to their injuries,” the DOH said.

The DOH reported that the total FWRIs were mostly recorded in Metro Manila, followed by Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.

READ: Fireworks-related injuries rise to 557 with 114 new cases – DOH

Meanwhile, the fireworks kwitis, 5-star, whistle bomb, pla-pla, boga, luces, and fountain caused the majority or 64 percent of FWRIs, the DOH continued.

Among them, 5-star, pla-pla, and boga were deemed illegal and were to blame for four out of every ten cases or 38 percent, with legal fireworks causing more injuries.

READ: DOH logs first fireworks-related death, stray bullet injury

The DOH likewise reminded the public that “injuries and deaths from stray bullets” are avoidable.

“Law enforcement, local leaders, and communities must work together to create a safer and healthier community, especially during these times of celebration,” it said.