Man dies after hugging 'Goodbye Philippines'

MANILA, Philippines - A man died early Friday after hugging a firecracker called "Goodbye Philippines" in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Ronald Vericio was reportedly drunk and ignited the firework at around 12:10 a.m. on January 1, according to his live-in partner Kristina Serrano.

The victim was rushed to the Ospital ng Sampaloc but was later on transferred to the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, according to a report from radio dzMM.

The doctors attempted to revive the Vericio but he was declared dead at 1:45 a.m.

It is not yet clear why the victim had to hug the firecracker after lighting it.

Meanwhile, another victim of the "Goodbye Philippines" has been recorded at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

Doctors had to amputate the left foot of Jerry Flores after being broken into pieces. The victim stepped on the firework, thinking that it will not explode.

The Department of Health has recorded 384 firework-related injuries as of 6 a.m. on the first day of the year.  - Patricia Lourdes Viray