Firecracker-related injuries climb to 24 —DOH

At least 24 firecracker-related injuries have been recorded as of Wednesday, according to Jun Veneracion's report on "Balitanghali."

The Department of Health (DOH) said the cases recorded so far included six patients with eye injuries and three who lost some fingers.

According to DOH data, most patients injured in firecracker-related incidents are boys aged 13 and below.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo was quoted as saying that this only shows the lack of parental supervision in some households.

As the number is expected to rise as the New Year approaches, the DOH official reminded parents to keep an eye on their children and ensure they don't get a hold of dangerous firecrackers.

During the previous New Year celebrations, Metro Manila came up with the most firecracker-related injuries with 248 victims -- 116 of which were recorded in Manila.

As most of these cases were reported in Tondo, the DOH is monitoring the Tondo General Hospital among other facilities. — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM, GMA News