Firework-related injuries recorded during the New Year celebrations declined significantly compared with last year, according to a Department of Health advisory released Thursday.
The DOH said it logged 235 firework-related injury cases nationwide from Dec. 21, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026. Of the total, 62 cases were recorded on New Year’s Day as Filipinos welcomed 2026 with traditional celebrations involving fireworks.
The agency said the current tally is 42 percent lower than the 403 cases reported during the same period surrounding the start of 2025. Data showed that 161 of the 235 victims were 19 years old and below, while the rest were adults.
Most injuries were linked to unidentified types of fireworks, as well as boga and 5-Star firecrackers. Despite the decline, health officials cautioned that the number could still increase as surveillance continues through Jan. 5.
Thhe DOH urged the public to immediately seek hospital treatment for burns or wounds caused by fireworks to prevent serious infections, warning that untreated injuries raise the risk of tetanus, which can be fatal without timely medical care. All reported cases were gathered from 62 sentinel hospitals nationwide.
Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla condemned the growing danger posed by powerful firecrackers, saying devices once seen as harmless novelties have effectively become explosives that should subject manufacturers, sellers, carriers, and users to criminal prosecution.
Padilla expressed condolences to the family of a 12-year-old boy who died instantly in an explosion in Manila and concern for the younger companion who survived but remains hospitalized with serious eye injuries.
He questioned the lack of immediate answers and accountability from authorities, stressing that the severity of the blast showed the device involved was capable of causing fatal dismemberment rather than minor injury.
“PNP, what is the update? These explosives can be considered bombs, capable of tearing a child’s body apart. What action are our protectors taking?” Padilla asked.
The senator’s call followed a fatal incident Sunday night in Tondo, Manila, where two boys were reportedly holding a firecracker that suddenly detonated while they were seated along a sidewalk.
A tricycle driver who passed the area around 8:23 p.m. reportedly noticed the children moments before the explosion along A. Lorenzo Street near the corner of Jose Abad Santos Avenue. Investigators said the blast was strong enough to be captured on a nearby closed-circuit television camera operated by Barangay 224.
One of the boys was declared dead at the scene, while his companion was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors said surgery would be required due to the extent of the injuries.
Barangay officials said the exact type of firecracker involved has yet to be identified, raising concerns over the circulation of unidentified or possibly homemade explosive devices.
At the same time, the Philippine National Police reported a generally peaceful and orderly New Year celebration nationwide, crediting heightened security measures and public cooperation.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended police commanders and personnel for the successful implementation of security plans, noting that no serious threats or significant incidents were recorded before and during the celebrations, particularly in major urban areas.
“I commend all our personnel on the ground for successfully implementing our security plan, which led to a peaceful and orderly New Year celebration across the country,” Nartatez said.
He added that close coordination with local government units and other agencies played a key role in maintaining peace and order and responding to public safety concerns.While there were some firecracker-related injuries, Nartatez said police units responded immediately, and the campaign against illegal fireworks yielded positive results.
“We saw a higher level of public compliance. Many communities opted for organized and LGU-led fireworks displays,” he said, adding that inspections, checkpoints, and confiscation operations reduced the circulation of prohibited firecrackers.
The PNP also noted high compliance with the ban on indiscriminate firing, with fewer incidents recorded compared to previous years and reported cases promptly investigated under a zero-tolerance policy.
Nartatez underscored the importance of public cooperation, thanking citizens for following safety guidelines and reporting incidents. He said intelligence-driven operations against illegal fireworks will continue beyond the holiday season, with police presence sustained in transport hubs, business districts, and tourist areas.
“Everyone’s safety is our responsibility. Let us continue to choose safe and orderly ways of celebrating, not only during the New Year but throughout the year,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Philippines welcomes 2026 with less firework-related injuries”
