Firecracker in Philippines njuries rise to 139 on New Year’s Day

MANILA, Jan 1, 2019, Philstar. At least 139 firecracker-related injuries have been reported so far, according to Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, reported the Philippine Star.

This is 68 percent lower compared to injuries reported during the same period (December 21 to January 1) last year. These figures, updated as of 6 a.m., were presented to reporters during a press conference in Quezon City by Duque on Tuesday morning.

“But we also expect cases to increase with more reports coming in from other regions,” the Health secretary said.

Although celebrations are over, Duque warned parents with young children to monitor them closely when they go outside.

“Most injuries at this time come from unexploded firecrackers in the street,” Duque said.

“After the major revelry of 12 midnight, parents should still be on the lookout. Unexploded firecrackers may still be on the streets,” he warned.

The DOH recorded no stray bullet incidence so far. However, there were at least two cases of firework ingestion.

Among the 139 injuries were 102 cases of burn without requiring amputation, five injuries caused by firework blast requiring limb amputation.

The National Capital Region reported the highest number of injuries in the country with 53, followed by Western Visayas with 26 injuries, Central Visayas with 13 injuries; and Central Luzon and Calabarzon with 10 injuries reported in each region.

Duque attributed the decrease in injuries to Executive Order No. 28, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, which gives the Philippine National Police authority to regulate illegal firecrackers and fireworks.

The firecracker that caused the most injuries, Duque said, was Kwitis, followed by Boga, Luces and Triangle.

PNP Public Safety Officer Cecilio Ison told reporters that the police had intensified operations against illegal fireworks prior to the start of the holiday season.

“But there are still many who sold underground despite the fact there are operations against illegal fireworks,” Ison said in Filipino.

The Health secretary also said the rain was also a factor in the “substantive reduction” of firecracker and fireworks injuries.

“We are gratified with the reduction, but on the other hand, there are still [injury] cases related to fireworks and many injuries,” Duque said. “One injury is too much to bear.”

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