The Department of Health has recorded 101 fireworks-related injuries nationwide a few days before the New Year’s Eve celebrations, with most of them caused by firecrackers that are prohibited.

Firecracker-related injuries rise to 69: DOH

Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, department spokesperson, citing data from hospitals across the country, said the National Capital Region (NCR) has the most fireworks-related injuries, followed by the Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Ilocos Region and Central Visayas regions. 

“Ang pinakasanhi po ng ating fireworks-related injuries ay mga ilegal na paputok. Halos walo sa bawat sampung fireworks-related injuries ay dahil sa ilegal na paputok, partikular na ang boga, five star, saka piccolo."

(The most common cause of the fireworks-related injuries are illegal fireworks. Nearly eight of every ten injuries were caused by illegal firecrackers, particularly boga, five star and piccolo)

He added "kwitis", a type of skyrocket that is allowed by law, is the fourth top cause of the injuries.   

The Health official said that 64% of the injuries were sustained by individuals actively involved in using the fireworks.

Most of the injuries were to the eyes, followed by to the hands, head, legs and arms.

"Sa ating talaan, mga lima na ang nagkaroon ng amputation, o naputulan ng bahagi ng katawan dahil sa paputok," Domingo said.

(In our tally, there have been five cases where there was an amputation)

Hospitals have been placed on Code White status — which means all health personnel are ready to provide assistance — from December 21 to January 6, 2025 in anticipation of fireworks-related injuries and other emergencies.

CASES OF ACUTE STROKE, ASTHMA

Domingo said the health department is also monitoring "acute complications of non-communicable diseases" amid festivities this holiday season, particularly stroke, heart attacks, and asthma.

He said sentinel hospitals have reported 71 cases of acute stroke, 41 cases of acute coronary syndrome and 46 cases of asthma.

Too much drinking can lead to 'Holiday Heart Syndrome': DOH

The DOH earlier cautioned Filipinos against overindulging on food and alcohol this holiday season, as it would lead to a variety of health complications.