DOH: Fireworks-related injuries rise to 69
DANGEROUS The Department of Health said that the majority of injuries reported this year were traced to illegal firecrackers, particularly the “boga” or improvised cannon, and “five star.” —Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — An additional 26 cases of fireworks-related injuries were recorded between Christmas Day and Dec. 26, as reported by 62 “sentinel sites,” mostly government hospitals, nationwide to the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday.
The additional cases brought the tally for such injuries from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26 to 69, with 58 of the victims aged 19 and below.
Of the total, 51, or 74 percent, were hurt while actively using fireworks, with 59 cases due to “boga,” or an improvised cannon, considered among the illegal fireworks.
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Article continues after this advertisement“Watch over the children and prohibit them from using fireworks, especially boga, 5-Star, and Piccolo, which are the main causes of fireworks-related injuries,” the DOH said.
It also recommended alternative types of noisemakers such as party horns (“torotot”) and music. Those who need help with fireworks-related injuries may call the National Emergency Hotline at 911 or the DOH Hotline at 1555. —Jerome Aning
