DOH: Fireworks injuries climb to 44, surpass 2011 figures

(Updated 4:38 p.m.) The number of holiday-related fireworks injuries has shot up to 44 as of Christmas Eve, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

 

National Epidemiology Center head Enrique Tayag noted the 44 incidents was one more than those recorded in the same period in 2011.

 

"Fireworks injuries climb(ed) to 44 as of Dec. 24, 2012 compared to 43 last year. Metro Manila leads all regions with 14 injuries," Tayag said on his Twitter account.

 

Tayag said the most recent cases included one of a 22-year-old male from Compostela Valley who lost his left thumb, index and middle fingers.

 

He said the man, who he did not name, had just picked up a Super Lolo.

 

Earlier firecracker-related injuries had included a boy who was injured in the eye after using a boga, a cannon made from PVC pipes.

 

The government has been trying to discourage Filipinos from using firecrackers to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, by suggesting alternate activities such as dancing to the hit "Gangnam Style." Also, the Philippine National Police has called on barangay officials to designate firecracker zones in their respective areas to lessen firecracker-related injuries during the New Year revelry. 32 arrested in Davao City