Number of firecracker-related injuries higher this year —Duque

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Friday said the number of firecracker-related injuries this year is already higher compared to the record last year.

With 26 firecracker-related injuries reported as of Thursday, Duque said it is still around 60% to 70% lower compared to the five-year average.

“Mas mataas tayo ng bahagya pero mas mababa pa rin 60% to 70% doon sa five-year average [We are slightly higher compared to last year but still lower by 60% to 70% to the five-year average],” he said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

A report from the DOH showed that the current tally of firecracker-related injuries is 86% higher compared to 2020. This is however 63% lower than the five-year average, which is 71 cases, during the same period.

The 26 firecracker-related injuries involved "boga," five star, piccolo, triangle, whistle bomb, baby rocket, kwitis, and other unlabeled or imported firecrackers.

These victims sustained hand, head, eye, neck, chest, thigh, and foot injuries, according to the DOH.

The incidents were reported from Western Visayas, Ilocos, Bangsamoro, National Capital Region, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Bicol, and Soccsksargen.

According to Duque, the increase in firecracker-related injuries might be connected with the country being under Alert Level 2,  the second lowest in the COVID-19 alert level system.

“Baka ang tao akala ay puwede nang magluwag, magpakampante, at maging pabaya. Hindi po tama 'yan (The public might assume that it is now okay to be relaxed, complacent, and neglectful. That's wrong],” he said. —KBK, GMA News