Fireworks-related injuries in the Philippines have risen to 52 people before the New Year 2024 — the reason for recording the first five cases of amputations from fireworks this year.
According to the FWRI report of the Department of Health (DOH) this Tuesday, the new cases of accidents reached 24 based on the monitoring of December 25 to 26.
“Naitala ngayon ng DOH ang limang (5) kaso ng traumatic amputations dahil sa paputok… tatlong (3) menor de edad at dalawang (2) matatanda, pawang mga lalaki, mula sa buong bansa,” DOH said.
“Dapat sisihin ang mga iligal na Boga, Plapla, Five-star, at Goodbye Philippines fireworks, at ang legal na whistle bomb. Magpaalam sa paggamit ng paputok sa bahay sa halip na magpaalam sa iyong mga daliri.”
“Ang limang (5) amputation na naunang nabanggit ay nagresulta sa pagkawala o pagkaputol ng mga daliri at kamay.”
In the 24 new cases, the victims are said to be aged between 5-years-old and 52-years-old. Here’s what the victims look like:
- male: 23
- female: 1
- injured in the side or nearby street: 22
- actively involved: 21
- use illegal fireworks: 16
There are 52 victims so far, mostly from Metro Manila:
- National Capital Region: 20
- Central Luzon: 6
- SOCCSKSARGEN: 5
5 amputations due to fireworks recorded; 52 injured
The Philippine National Police (PNP) first shared the updated list of illegal fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.
The DOH, on the other hand, thanked the PNP for its continued crackdown on prohibited fireworks, except for the indiscriminate use of firearms as a source of noise this holiday season.
Just this month, the Department of Trade and Industry released a list of certified fireworks to guide consumers this New Year.
The DOH has long encouraged the public to refrain from using fireworks altogether and instead use safer fireworks.
“Patuloy tayong nananawagan sa ating mga Mayor at Barangay Captain – muli, oras na po para mamuno. Ang aming mga Centers for Health Development (CHD; regional offices) ay nagpapatakbo ng tawag sa pagkilos na ito,” said DOH.
So the department’s reminder, be careful even when watching gunfire in designated areas because you never know when an accident will happen.
It is said that it is better to have professionals manage the fireworks while making sure that the spectators are at a safe distance.
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