10-year-old kid’s face flayed due to ‘boga’ explosion

A 10-year-old boy got his face flayed after a "boga" exploded in Dingras, Ilocos Norte.

According to a Balitanghali report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on Tuesday, the victim was just playing with his playmates when the improvised canon had exploded. The skin on his mouth, nose, cheeks and forehead then got burned.

The victim, who was immediately rushed to the hospital, suffered second-degree burn.

Meanwhile, in Badoc, some children were also seen playing with "boga," as it is cheaper compared to other firecrackers.

Authorities again reminded the public that the use of "boga" is prohibited.

'Avoid lighting firecrackers'

In Metro Manila, four persons were already brought to Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) due to firecracker-related injuries.

"'Yung mga bata kasi 'di nila alam usually 'yung ginagawa nila. Kung minsan namumulot sila ng paputok. Kung minsan 'di nila alam kung safe pa ba 'yung ginagamit nilang paputok lalo na 'yung mga fireworks," said Dr. Alexander Tuliao, a surgeon.

Based on the data of JRRMMC, the number of firecracker-related injuries during holiday season went down since 2013.

Despite the decrease, their staff is still ready to assist victims of firecrackers.

"For example in this area na-expose 'yung buto... anywhere on the hand... pantanggal lang ng soft tissue including bone," said Dr. John Paul Sison, an orthopedic surgeon.

"Kung minor injury lang 'yan, pwedeng paso lang or pwedeng mawalan ka ng balat 'pag nasunog ka. Kung severe naman pwede ka mawalan ng daliri, mawalan ng mga braso o limbs. Pwede ka ring mamatay kung sobrang grabe," added Tuliao.

Sison advised the public to immediately wash the wound in case of an injury.

"Wash. Hugasan 'yung sugat, kung kaya kahit nga sabon lang eh. Kahit simpleng sabon lang. Kung kaya kahit gasa," Sison said.

"Iwasan gumamit ng paputok. Kung hindi naman maiwasan, pwede tayo mag-participate doon sa community-based fireworks," Tuliao added.

On Monday, one person was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City due to injuries caused by a whistlebomb. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News