Firework-related injuries fell sharply this holiday season, with the Department of Health (DOH) recording 235 cases nationwide from December 21, 2025 to 4 a.m. on January 1, 2026.
The figure is 42% lower than the 403 cases reported over the same period last year, based on data from 62 sentinel hospitals.
On December 31 alone, 62 injuries were logged as Filipinos welcomed the New Year.
Most victims were young, with 161 cases involving individuals aged 19 and below. Unidentified firecrackers, boga, and five-star fireworks were the leading causes.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo cautioned that the numbers remain preliminary.
“Even as we see today a lower-than-last-year count for fireworks-related injuries, the DOH anticipates that late reports will come in from today, January 1, all the way to January 5. We hope the lower count will stay,” he said.
Domingo also urged immediate medical consultation for any firework-related wound, warning of tetanus risks.
“In the meantime, all who had encounters with fireworks, no matter how small the wound, should seek consultation at the nearest hospital to avoid tetanus,” he said.
“Symptoms do not appear until around eight days, some up to 21 days later, and they can be deadly. Vaccination against tetanus is available at hospitals,” he added.
The DOH expects to release the final tally of injuries within the first week of January.