The Department of Health (DOH) reported 28 firecracker-related injuries nationwide, with eight new cases recorded during the Christmas week.
In its latest update, the DOH said the eight new incidents were logged by 62 Sentinel Hospitals from December 21 to December 25 at 4 a.m. The agency noted that this figure represents a 50 percent decrease compared to the 56 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Data showed that 68 percent of those injured were 19 years old and below, while the remaining 32 percent were aged 20 and above. The DOH added that most injuries were caused by illegal firecrackers such as 5-star, boga, and triangulo.
The department urged the public to immediately bring injured individuals to the nearest hospital or clinic, or seek assistance through the national emergency hotline at 911.