The Department of Health (DOH) reported 655 firework-related injuries (FWRIs) as of 4 a.m. on January 3, with more than half of the victims aged 19 or younger.
“Kaugnay nito, 19 sa mga biktima ang naputulan ng daliri o kamay dahil sa iba’t ibang uri ng paputok; 11 ay menor de edad,” the agency said, noting that the youngest case involved a 4-year-old who lost four fingers in an explosion.
Unidentified fireworks, kwitis or skyrocket, and the illegal 5-star were cited as the leading causes of injuries.
“Naobserbahan man ng kagawaran ang 20% na pagbaba ng kaso, ikinalulungkot pa rin ng DOH ang sinapit ng mga nagpaputok at aksidenteng nasabugan ng firecrackers,” the agency added.
Monitoring of firework-related incidents will continue until January 5.