DOH reports first 4 fireworks-related injuries for 2023-2024 holiday season

The Department of Health, on Friday, announced four cases involving boys aged six to 13 years old as the first fireworks-related injuries for the holiday season.

In its Day 1 alert against illegal fireworks, the DOH called for awareness of injuries inflicted by illegal fireworks “boga”, “5-star”, and “piccolo.”

“We must stand firm to eradicate the use of illegal fireworks. Our laws are there to protect against illegal fireworks. We should all protect our communities. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga, we must unite to prevent injury and death due to fireworks,” the statement read.

The DOH also called on law enforcement and traders to strengthen their defenses against illegal fireworks and for local government units to organize controlled fireworks displays to eradicate the need for illegal fireworks.

Last 2022, the Department of Health logged 277 fireworks-related injuries from December 21, 2022 to January 4, 2023, which was 49% higher than the record for the previous year with the majority of cases reported by the National Capital Region.

On Monday, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos called for the complete ban of fireworks in the country save for a few selected areas.

“Marami naman tayong mga lungsod at mga munisipyo na mayroong ganito. Sana lahatin na natin. Kaya ako ay nananawagan sana naman magkaroon na tayo ng ganitong ordinansa,” said Abalos.

“Anyway, kaya naman i-celebrate ang Bagong Taon nang maayos. Magkaroon ng fireworks display na lamang sa mga munisipyo sa isang lugar at maiwasan natin iyong ganitong disgrasya,” he added.

Meanwhile, multiple fireworks-related deaths, such as an exploding truck carrying fireworks in Marikina or the explosion of an entire fireworks factory in Bocaue, have been recorded since November.

On December 1, police were also able to seize newly produced fireworks called “Goodbye, Hamas” in Bulacan, which was reported to be more powerful than a grenade, along with other illegal and unmarked, illegal fireworks worth P1.5 million in Batangas. — DVM, GMA Integrated News