The Department of Health (DOH) in Ilocos Region recorded 20 fireworks-related injuries from Dec. 21 to 26, a 54.5 percent decrease from the 44 cases reported during the same period last year.
Data from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed most injuries were caused by unlabeled and imported firecrackers, accounting for 40% of cases, while Five Star firecrackers made up 5%.
Pangasinan logged the highest number of cases with 12, followed by Ilocos Sur and La Union with four cases each.
One victim suffered an amputation, while another sustained an eye injury, highlighting the severity of some incidents.
DOH-1 Director Paula Paz Sydiongco warned that injuries occur even days before New Year’s Eve, urging the public to support the “Ligtas Christmas” program and comply with regulations under Executive Order No. 28.
