Firecracker-related injuries up to 25 on Christmas Eve —DOH

Cases of firecracker-related injuries have increased to 25 on Christmas Eve, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

These cases have been reported from 62 sentinel sites under the DOH’s monitoring from December 22 to 6 a.m. of December 24.

According to the DOH, 20 of the total victims were 19 years old and below, while the remaining five were  20 years old and up.

The DOH said 23 of the total victims were male, while the remaining two were female.

Due to the reported injuries from firecrackers, the DOH discouraged the public from using them.

“Huwag magpaputok. llayo sa panganib nito ang mga bata. Gumamit ng alternatibong pampaingay gaya ng torotot o musika,” the DOH said.

(Don't use firecrackers. Keep the children away from its danger. Use alternative noisemakers such as horns or music.)

“Sakaling mangailangan ng tulong, tumawag sa 911 emergency hotline o 1555 DOH emergency,” he added.

(If help is needed, call the 911 emergency hotline or 1555 DOH emergency.)

According to a Super Radyo dzBB report by Christian Maño on Tuesday, the Bureau of Fire Protection advised the public to refrain from using firecrackers during the holiday season.

This is to avoid starting fire incidents amid celebrations for Christmas and the New Year.

BFP spokesperson Fire Senior Superintendent Annalee Atienza said that Filipinos may opt to use other forms of noise, such as horns and videoke machines, or join countdown celebrations with fireworks displays instead.

As of December 24, the BFP had already recorded 15 fire incidents related to firecrackers.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police Civil Security Group released a list of firecrackers that were prohibited for use in the country pursuant to Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183. — with a report from Jiselle Anne Casucian/RSJ/VBL, GMA Integrated News