By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

NEW YEAR REVELRY. A fireworks display at the Quezon Memorial Circle ushers in the New Year at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, 2024. The DOH warned against the negative effects of firecrackers which include blindness, burns, hearing loss, lung infection, amputation of body parts, and even death. (File photo)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported 26 more fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) in various regions.

This brings the total number of FWRIs to 69 from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26.

Of the 69 cases, 51 or 74 percent were active users of firecrackers or they lit the firecrackers themselves.

Fifty-nine or 86 percent were caused by illegal firecrackers, particularly boga.

Sixty-five of the cases were male and four were females.

The DOH warned against the negative effects of firecrackers which include blindness, burns, hearing loss, lung infection, amputation of body parts, and even death.

“Bantayan ang mga bata at pagbawalan silang gumamit ng paputok lalo na ang Boga, 5-Star at Piccolo na pangunahing sanhi ng aksidente mula sa paputok (Look after young kids and keep them from using firecrackers especially, Boga, Five-Star, and Picolo, which are the top causes of FWRIs),” the DOH said.

The public is also advised to be alert and disciplined to avoid being victims of illegal firecrackers use. (PNA)