MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has reported four new cases of firecracker-related injuries, bringing the total number of cases to eight – eight days before the New Year’s Eve celebration.
The new cases are all boys aged 8 to 12 years, who were victims of both illegal (three) and legal (one) fireworks.
Of the total number of cases, the fireworks involved are boga (three), piccolo (two), 5-star (one), baby dynamite (one) and Goodbye Philippines (one).
The DOH encouraged the local police and municipality chiefs and community leaders to help address the rampant use of illegal fireworks.
“Police, mayors and barangay captains can stop the sale and use of illegal fireworks and promote community fireworks display instead of household use,” the agency said.
It also advised parents to watch over their children and lead by example by using noise-making alternatives in welcoming the New Year.
“The DOH can and will take care of trauma and injuries. However, the family and community is still the best place to start saving lives,” added the DOH.