Firework-related injuries jump to 112 – DOH

At the approach of New Year, firework-related injuries in the country have jumped to 112 on Sunday, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In its summary report covering the period December 21 to 28, the Health Dept. said Metro Manila logged the highest number of firework-related injuries with 52 cases.

This was followed by the Ilocos Region (12), Central Luzon (9), and Western Visayas (9).

However, DOH stated that the recent number of firework-related injuries is 26% lower compared to the same period in 2024.

The most affected were males aged five to 14 years old.

Here are the top causes of firecracker-related injuries:

1) 5-Star
2) Unknown (patient cannot recall, likely because s/he was a passive victim)
3) Boga
4) Kwitis
5) Piccolo
6) Pla-Pla
7) Whistle Bomb

The Department of Industry has issued a list of fireworks that have met its quality standards to the public, as it released some tips for a safe 2026 New Year celebration.

Road accidents

DOH has so far recorded 376 road crashes in the country, most of which have occurred in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, and the Bicol Region.

The agency noted that the recent number is 5.76% lower than the same period in 2024.

The most affected were males aged 15 to 29 years old.

In these accidents, 84% have no safety accessories, 73% involved motorcycles, and 13% of the motorists were intoxicated.

Non-communicable diseases

Meanwhile, DOH said it recorded 190 cases of non-communicable diseases in the country.

Of the total figure, 118 cases are acute stroke (brain attack), 49 are acute coronary syndrome (heart attack) cases, and bronchial asthma listed 23 cases.

Brain attacks and heart attacks are more common in males, while bronchial asthma is more common in females, DOH said.

Mental Health issues

DOH said the National Center for Mental Health Hotline 1553 received 612 calls during the holidays, which peaked on December 23.

Young adults aged 18 to 30 years old were the most frequent callers, followed by people aged 31 to 43 years old.

The majority of the callers are females, DOH said.

The top reasons are anxiety or depressive symptoms, love or relationship problems, and family problems.

The National Council on Disability Affairs earlier urged the public to refrain from mocking persons with disabilities amid the holiday celebrations.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa also reminded the public to be "kind and sensitive" with their comments to others, as DOH has monitored increasing mental health cases and anxiety cases during the holidays. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News