LUCENA CITY – During Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region recorded 51 injuries, according to a report covering Dec. 21 to Jan. 6.
In a press statement issued Saturday afternoon, the DOH-Calabarzon, citing records from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, said the number of injuries this year is 33 cases higher compared to the same period last year.
The incident reports came from different hospitals in different parts of the region which were placed on “code white alert” from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2.
The report stated that Rizal province recorded the highest number of injuries with 16 hurt from fireworks, one stray bullet victim, and one fireworks ingestion victim, followed by Batangas with 16, Cavite with 12, and Laguna, with 5.
Quezon and its capital Lucena City registered zero firework-injury victims, the agency said.
The DOH-Calabarzon said there were three victims whose hands were amputated. However, no fatality was recorded.
“May this serve as a lesson for New Year celebration next year. Avoid using fireworks and explosives,” Dr. Ariel I. Valencia, DOH officer-in-charge assistant secretary, said.
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