3 kids injured after playing with firecrackers in Camarines Sur

Three children were injured after playing with firecrackers, which they saw hanging from a tree in Camarines Sur.

Totoy and his two cousins were sustained injuries in the eyes, face and arms, according to Jessica Calinog’s GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia report which aired in “24 Oras” on Thursday.

“Hawak hawak po, akala ko yung tyan talaga ang may tama sabi ko akala ko nabutas kako. Sabi niya sa akin, ‘mama wag kang kabahan okay lang ako.’ Tapos noong pinakita po, yung papa niya binigyan na siya ng damit para matigil yung pagdurugo,” Lanie, mother of Totoy, said.

“Pinoposporahan yung karton tapos binaliktad niya doon sa mga pulbura tapos binaliktad biglang pumutok,” JP, one of those who were injured, said.

“Hindi po kasi nag-aano pumuputok tapos pinabayaan ko. Tapos pumutok,” Totoy said.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 188 fireworks-related injuries were recorded as of January 6, 2022.

At least 45 cases were hurt due to “kwitis,” 28 were unknown, 15 cases were due to “boga,” 14 cases due to “luces,” and 12 cases due to 5-star.

The Iriga City Fire Station urged the public to use noise-making alternatives to avoid fireworks-related injuries.

“Pwede tayong maputulan ng kamay yung mga bata, then masabugan yung mukha kasi kadalasan nilalapit talaga sa mukha yung paputok para matignan,” Aniano Layosa Jr. of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Iriga City, said.

The DOH also reminded the public to implement health safety protocols in celebration of the holiday season.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News