At least 11 firecracker-related injuries were recorded in SOCCSKSARGEN from December 21 to 25, 2024.  

Based on data from the Department of Health-SOCCSKSARGEN (DOH-12), 10 of the 11 cases happened on Christmas eve.  

Of the 11, six happened in South Cotabato; three in Sarangani; and two in North Cotabato.  

The victims were nine years old and above who sustained minor injuries such as burns in the face and wounds in the hands.  

One of them is a 13-year-old boy in Sarangani who sustained injuries near his eyes. He was brought to the hospital for treatment and was discharged later.

“Natamaan po ang kanyang mata gamit ang boga habang pinapaputok niya ang boga sa kanilang bahay,” DOH-12 RESU Nurse, Kathleen Gecosala, said.  

The victims allegedly used illegal firecrackers such as “lantaka”and 5-star triangle.  

DOH-10 urged the public to avoid using firecrackers and use alternative ways to create noise, instead.  

“Huwag po gumamit ng mga paputok. Sa mga kabataan po natin, huwag pulutin o sindihan ang mga paputok na nakakalat sa kalsada, at ilayo sa bata kasi may lason at pulbura gaya ng maliliit na paputok o watusi dahil maari nila itong  maisubo,“ Gecosala said.