A 4-year-old boy from Central Luzon lost all five fingers on his right hand and injured his neck when he lit up an illegal Dart Bomb at home, the Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday.
The agency also expressed concerns that such deadly, illegal fireworks are able to find their way into the hands of young children.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa called on the police to crack down further on those selling illegal fireworks that can destroy the futures of Filipino children.
As of 6 a.m. of Dec. 30, there were eight new cases, with victims aged 4 to 37, all of them males.
Six of these new cases occurred at home and in the streets, while two were at designated fireworks areas. Five or 63 percent of the new cases were caused by illegal fireworks.
Sunday’s total brought to 115 the fireworks-related injuries, with about four out of every 10 cases coming from Metro Manila.
Cases were also reported in Central Luzon (13), Ilocos Region (13), Soccksargen (9), Calabarzon (six), Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas (five each). The Davao Region reported only one case.
The fireworks that caused the most injuries were boga, 5-star, kwitis, piccolo, luces, pla-pla, whistle bomb, and other unlabeled (including the Dart Bomb) or imported fireworks. Illegal fireworks are to blame for about six out of every 10 cases.
On the eve of the New Year, Senator Nancy Binay urged Filipinos to keep safety at the forefront of their celebration.
Binay particularly called on gun owners, especially military and police personnel, to be more responsible and avoid indiscriminately firing their guns during the holiday season.
This, as the Philippine National Police recently said that at least seven incidents of illegal discharge of firearms have been reported, with one person wounded as a result, since Dec. 16.
Binay said it is essential to be conscious of safety in such situations, and called on the Filipino public to employ more creative ways to usher in the New Year instead of resorting to firing guns, or lighting fireworks and firecrackers.
Five of the seven offenders—two police officers, two members of the Philippine Army, and a civilian—have so far been arrested and had their guns confiscated, while the two others remain unidentified.
She urged the Philippine National Police and local government units to strictly enforce Republic Act 7183 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
Binay also urged local authorities to strictly monitor vendors selling illegal firecrackers to protect the public.
The National Capital Region Police Office, meanwhile, said it has intensified efforts to ensure a safe celebration of the New Year.
“We call on our fellow citizens to exercise caution and comply with laws governing the use of fireworks and firecrackers. Let us not forget that the best way to welcome the coming year is to ensure that we, our loved ones, and those around us are safe,” the NCRPO said.
“NCRPO is actively patrolling and monitoring the yuletide season to deter the occurrence of crimes and respond promptly to any emergencies. As we encourage NCR residents to adhere to guidelines, we also call upon all gun owners to be responsible and avoid negligence, and indiscriminate firing to safeguard innocent lives thus season.”