Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Two children were rushed to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center after sustaining injuries caused by fireworks, adding to the growing number of cases recorded even before New Year’s Eve celebrations reach their peak.Hospital officials said one child suffered skin burns, while another sustained an eye injury. Both cases are part of at least 140 fireworks-related injuries reported nationwide ahead of the height of the celebrations.Doctors identified Five Star and Boga as the most common fireworks involved in recent accidents. Both are classified as illegal by the Philippine National Police.Dr. Al Sherwin Martin, surgery resident at the ARMMC, many injuries occur when children play with fireworks that are still active. In some cases, children attempt to relight firecrackers they believe are already spent, only for them to suddenly explode.Data from ABS-CBN’s Research and Verification Unit show that over the past 14 years, from 2011 to 2024, five out of the 10 types of fireworks most frequently linked to injuries are illegal. Piccolo topped the list, followed by kwitis and unidentified fireworks, while Five Star and Boga also ranked among the leading causes of injury.In the National Capital Region, local government units (LGUs) continue to implement varying policies on fireworks. Some regulate their sale and use, others enforce total bans, while several allow fireworks only in designated firecracker zones or fireworks display areas.Because of these differing local regulations, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa of the Department of Health said it is difficult to impose a nationwide ban on all types of firecrackers.“A solution to that is to have a national law that covers everything. But at this point, each LGU is autonomous,” Herbosa said in a press conference on Tuesday.He added that authorities have already exhausted many preventive measures.“We’ve come to the trough of what else we can do. I’m thinking legislation is the next, because the information drive,  the PNP has done a great job.”Herbosa acknowledged that fireworks are deeply rooted in Filipino culture, particularly during New Year celebrations, making immediate change difficult.“If we do create a law, will people follow? It’s very important we try with behavior change. Then eventually, the clamor for regulating them will grow.”Herbosa added that awareness and education must come first, especially within households.“It’s better that this is discussed and raised to the level of consciousness, then behavior follows. Parents should teach their children not to play with fireworks. Fireworks are not toys.”Meanwhile, doctors in emergency rooms warned that more than the immediate pain caused by fireworks explosions, victims often face long and difficult recoveries.In severe cases, permanent loss of a body part can have lasting effects on a child’s future, affecting schooling, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life.As the New Year approaches, health officials once again urged the public to prioritize safety, reminding families that celebrations should not come at the cost of preventable injuries.

In some cases, children attempt to relight firecrackers they believe are already spent, only for them to suddenly explode.

In some cases, children attempt to relight firecrackers they believe are already spent, only for them to suddenly explode.

Herbosa: Children among latest fireworks injury victims as cases rise ahead of New Year

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Herbosa: Children among latest fireworks injury victims as cases rise ahead of New Year

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 30, 2025 08:05 PM PHT

Read More:

New Year

fireworks related injury

Department of Health

Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

Marikina

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