Tally of fireworks-related injuries rises; number of users up by 8% – DOH

The number of firecracker-related injuries continues to rise in the days leading the New Year, with the Department of Health saying 170 cases were recorded as of 6 a.m. Saturday, even as it noted that the number of firecracker users has increased by eight percent this year compared to 2012's record.

Of the 170 firecracker-related injuries, 101 or 62 percent were caused by piccolo, Tayag said on his Twitter account.

Also, the DOH said it has recorded one case of firecracker ingestion and five people injured by stray bullets.

Tayag urged the Philippine National Police to intensify its crackdown on piccolo and other banned fireworks, after the the DOH received reports indicating the items are being sold near a police station in Pasay City.

“[The] DOH urges PNP [to crackdown] on Piccolo and other banned fireworks. Citizens report Piccolo openly sold along Libertad, Pasay near police station," he tweeted.

Based on the DOH’s 2010-2012 report on firecracker-related injuries, barangays in Quezon City with number on cases include Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Holy Spirit, Payatas, Sto. Domingo and Krus na Ligas.

In Manila, barangays with high number of reported cases include District 2 Barangay 147-267 East Tondo, District 1 Barangay 1-146 West Tondo, District 3 Barangay 268-394, Binondo, Quiapo, San Nicolas and Sta. Cruz.

Meanwhile, Malacañang urged the public to heed the warnings and advisories issued by the DOH against the use of firecrackers, particularly of children.

In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte reiterated Health secretary Enrique Ona’s advice not to allow children to use firecrackers.

“We urge parents and guardians to promote the use of alternative noisemakers, such as toy trumpets and sound systems,” she said. — Xianne Arcangel /LBG, GMA News