Fireworks-related injuries rise to 112

MANILA, Philippines — As the New Year revelry approaches, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported more than 100 people with fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) nationwide.

Data from the 62 DOH sentinel sites showed a total of 112 FWRIs from Dec. 21 to 28.

The current figure, the DOH said, is 26 percent lower than the recorded FWRIs during the same period last year.

The bulk or 52 of the total cases were recorded in Metro Manila. The Ilocos Region followed with 12, while both Central Luzon and Western Visayas posted nine cases each.

The majority of the cases belong to the five to 14-year age group. Males also accounted for 55 of the total FWRIs.

Five-star was the firecracker that topped the cause of FWRIs, but many of the patients could not recall which fireworks led to their injury. Several said they were just passive victims.

Other leading causes of FWRIs are firecrackers such as boga, kwitis, piccolo, pla-pla and whistle bomb.

The DOH also recorded a total of 376 road crashes nationwide. The number is 5.76 percent less compared to the same period in 2024.

Males and those aged 15 to 29 years were the most affected by the road accidents. Motorcycles accounted for 73 percent of the cases.

10,906 illegal fireworks destroyed in Ilocos

In Ilocos, the Philippine National Police destroyed more than 10,000 illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, as part of the PNP’s intensified campaign to ensure safe New Year celebrations.

Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) over the weekend conducted the ceremonial destruction of 10,906 confiscated illegal firecrackers, including improvised cannons or boga, seized during sustained operations across the region.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended PRO1 for firm law enforcement, stressing that illegal and dangerous firecrackers have no place in communities, especially during the holiday season.

The confiscated items were soaked in water with assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) before being destroyed to prevent accidents.

As of Dec. 27, the PNP recorded 486 nationwide operations against illegal firecrackers, resulting in the seizure of 72,708 items worth about P1.15 million and the arrest of 23 people.

Protect your pets

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) yesterday appealed to the public not to use firecrackers to welcome the New Year because it causes extreme fear and injury to animals.

PAWS executive director Ana Cabrera said, “We are making an appeal to the public not to use firecrackers to welcome the New Year.”

Animals, with their sensitive hearing, tend to panic when they hear loud noises.

“The loud explosions cause extreme fear and stress among pets and stray animals, leading them to injuries, escape, road accidents, and in many cases death,” Cabrera said.

“Animals have far more sensitive hearing than humans, and what may be momentary noise for us can feel like a life-threatening event to them,” she added.

Loud noises from the firecrackers could also cause animals to panic. Cabrera said some dogs even become lost.

“They get confused and they bolt out of the house because of fear,” Cabrera said.

Government asks barangays’ help vs illegal fireworks

Meanwhile, Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on barangay captains nationwide to lead the campaign against illegal fireworks.

In a New Year’s message issued yesterday, Remulla urged barangays to strictly enforce local ordinances banning prohibited fireworks, stressing their role as the government’s first line of protection at the community level.

“In this regard, the DILG calls on our barangays to take the lead in enforcing ordinances against illegal firecrackers. As the closest unit of government to the people, the barangay is the first line of protection for the community,” he said.

Nartatez added to the call urging barangay officials to take the lead in preventing accidents in their communities.

“Barangay leaders are at the forefront of ensuring that local festivities remain incident-free. We urge them to be proactive in safeguarding their constituents, especially against the use of illegal firecrackers and even firearms during New Year celebrations,” Nartatez said.

Remulla emphasized that proactive monitoring, clear reminders to residents, and close coordination with the PNP and the BFP are essential to preventing accidents during the holiday celebrations.

“Vigilant monitoring, clear advisories, and active coordination with the PNP and BFP are crucial steps to prevent accidents and ensure a safe celebration in every household,” he added.

“The Bureau of Fire Protection will also continue inspections and patrols to issue fire safety reminders and ensure the readiness of communities, particularly in high-risk areas,” Remulla said.

The PNP commended barangay officials who have been using social media to warn residents against selling and using illegal fireworks, noting that some barangay accounts have been actively reposting police advisories against fireworks and indiscriminate firing.

In case of emergencies, Remulla encouraged the public to immediately contact the Unified 911 hotline.

“In the event of an emergency, the public is encouraged to immediately call the Unified 911 hotline to ensure fast and effective response by our emergency responders,” he added. — Rainier Allan Ronda, Evelyn Macairan, Mark Ernest Villeza