Firework injuries climb to 244

MANILA, Philippines - The number of firework-related injuries has increased to 244, Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said Monday.

In his Twitter account, Tayag said 238 firework injuries, one case of firecracker ingestion, and five stray bullet cases have been recorded as of 6 a.m. today.

Of the 238 injuries, 153 were caused by the prohibited firecracker "piccolo."

So far, the number of injuries related to the New Year revelries remains lower than that of 2012.

Tayag said for the same period last year, 185 firework-related injuries, one firecracker ingestion and two stray bullet cases were recorded.