Firecracker-related injuries now 69 after Christmas Day — DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday monitored 26 new incidents of firecracker-related injuries, bringing the total cases to 69 just a day after Filipinos celebrated Christmas Day.

In an update, the DOH said 62 sentinel sites logged the total cases from December 22 to 6 a.m. of December 26.

Of all the cases, 58 of victims are 19 years old and below, while the remaining 11 are 20 years old and up.

According to the DOH, 65 of these victims are male while the remaining four are female.

Of the 69 total victims of firecracker-related injuries, the DOH said 51 or 74% were active users of firecrackers.

Meanwhile, 59 or 86% of the total cases involved firecrackers that are illegal, particularly "boga" or an improvised cannon made from large PVC pipes and fueled by denatured alcohol.

The 26 cases on December 26 this year is half of the 52 cases logged on the same day last year, the DOH said.

Due to the reported injuries from firecrackers, the DOH renewed its call to the public to refrain from using them.

"Huwag magpaputok. Ilayo 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 these risks. Use alternative noisemakers such as horns or music.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News