DOH: Firecracker-related injuries rise to 43

MANILA, Philippines —  New cases of firecracker-related injuries stand at 18, bringing to 43 the total number of such injuries recorded nationwide from Dec. 22 to 25, according to the Department of Health.

The number is lower than the 28 cases recorded in the same period last year.

Of the 43 total cases, 34 are aged below 19 and nine cases are aged 20 and above.

Thirty-nine cases are men and four are women.

Illegal firecrackers, including boga, caused 86 percent or 37 of the total cases.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. yesterday reminded the public to celebrate the holidays safely and avoid using firecrackers.