The campaign of the Department of Health against the use of firecrackers was “relatively successful” following the 35-percent drop in fireworks-related injuries over the holidays, but President Rodrigo Duterte is still inclined to implement a nationwide firecracker ban, Malacañang said Thursday.
READ: DOH: Fewer ‘cracker victims ahead of New Year
“It should be relatively successful given the fact that there has been a downtrend in injuries—35 percent. That’s huge. And there were no deaths. That’s significant,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.
The DOH also said there were no cases of stray bullets and fireworks ingestion amid the celebrations.
The President, however, Duterte would still likely certify as urgent the proposed measure to ban firecrackers nationwide, Panelo said.
READ: Health chief pushes fireworks ban amid ‘record low’ casualty
Data from the DOH showed that kwitis (33 cases), luces (19), fountain (18), piccolo (13) and baby rocket (9) were the top five causes of injuries this year. Only one of these, piccolo, is illegal.
“Maybe we can avoid those injuries. I cannot understand why we still have injuries if those were legal. Maybe carelessness,” Panelo said.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque noted that all firecrackers and fireworks, including legal ones, can cause injuries, as he pushed for a total firecracker ban.
Records from the Department of Health showed there were 288 fireworks-related injuries from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2. This was 57 percent lower than the five-year average (2014-2018) of 644.
READ: New Year revelry: Be safe, sound; avoid 'crackers, DOH warns
No stray bullet injuries, fireworks ingestion, or death were reported.
Most of the cases occured in the National Capital Region followed by Region VI with 29 cases and Region 1 with 26 cases.
Calabarzon and Region III were listed as No. 4 and 5 with 22 and 19 cases, respectively.
Of the number of victims, 201 or 70 percent were male with ages ranging from 11 months to 72 years.
On Wednesday, the DOH reported a 35-percent decrease in fireworks-related injuries but cautioned the public that these numbers may still increase due to late consultation.
