The Department of Health (DOH) reported that fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) in 2025 may be fewer than in 2024, but victims sustained more severe wounds.
Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said over 300 cases are still being validated, on top of 235 incidents recorded as of January 1. He noted the total could reach “more or less” 500, still lower than the 803 cases in 2024.
“Generally, mukhang mas mababa ‘yung bilang pero para bang mas intense ‘yung mga sugat. Siguro ‘yun ang titingnan nang mas malalim na analysis,” Domingo said in a radio interview.
The DOH classifies victims as “burned without amputation” or “burned with amputation,” and also tracks eye and lung injuries. Domingo added that most victims were minors.
“Consistent pa rin eh. Karamihan ng mga naputukan ay menor de edad,” he said.
The agency confirmed one death from a firecracker blast—a 12-year-old boy in Tondo, Manila on December 28—and one fatality from a stray bullet, with five other cases under validation.