MANILA, Philippines - A boy from Bangued, Abra lost a hand after a powerful firecracker that was prohibited for distribution by the authorities prematurely exploded in his hand, a health official said Tuesday.
Dr. Angelita Pangilinan, assistant director of the Cordillera Administrative Region, said that the boy wa one of the nine cases of firecracker-related injuries recorded in the region.
The regional health office refused to disclose the identities of the victims as they were all minors.
Pangilinan said that the boy who lost his hand was injured last December 26 by a "pla-pla" a triangular firecracker prohibited by the authorities.
Three of the nine cases were recorded in Baguio City, two in Bangued, Abra; one in La Trinidad, Benguet; one in Apayao and two in Kalinga.