THE Department of Health said that the number of firecracker injuries has risen to 188 as they called on the public to celebrate the coming New Year safely.
According to DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, the figure is higher compared to the 124 cases during 2023.
“As of 6 o’clock kaninang umaga, December 31, meron na po tayong 188 na kaso ng fireworks-related injuries. Ito po ay 52% na mas mataas kumpara noong 2023 na sa ganitong araw ay 124 cases pa lang ang naitatala natin,” he said.
Domingo said that majority of the cases involved boga—an improvised cannon made from large PVC pipes and fueled by denatured alcohol—five star, and piccolo.
Most of the victims were said to be around five to 19 years old.
The DOH report also said that many of the firecracker-related injuries were reported from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Ilocos Region, and Central Visayas.
Domingo said they expect the numbers to increase.
Presently, the hospitals were placed under Code White alert.
“Ibig sabihin po ng Code White ay handang-handa ang mga hospital, ang lahat ng mga doktor at nurse. Inaayos po ang mga schedules para ready po sila tumanggap ng mga pasyente. Ang lahat ng mga kagamitan ay naka-standby rin, yung mga para po doon sa kailangan putulin,” he said.
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