Two children in Baguio City were injured by firecrackers just days before Christmas Day, pushing city officials to tighten enforcement of the firecracker ban to prevent more accidents during the holidays.

A 12-year-old child from Barangay Irisan suffered from burns on the hand after an unidentified firecracker exploded last Monday, December 22, 2025. The child sustained second-degree chemical burns and was treated at a hospital.

In a separate incident in Barangay Lower Dagsian, an 11-year-old child lost two fingernails after a five star firecracker exploded while the child was playing outside their home. The child was also rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The grandmother of one of the victims, Betty Fayong, appealed to firecracker vendors not to sell to minors.

“Syempre nagalit, na sana kung sino man ang nagbebenta ng paputok, ‘wag na sana magbenta sa mga bata kasi kami naman alam namin na wala kaming binibiling paputok,” she said.

The injured child said the firecracker was only handed to them by friends before it suddenly exploded.

“Natakot po, na-trauma na rin po kasi kung may nagpapaputok diyan, nagugulat na rin po ako,” the child said.

Barangay officials said their investigation showed that the firecracker involved was not newly bought.

“Hinahanap namin kung saan siya bumili, saan nanggaling, pero wala naman daw. It was an old stock. ‘Yan ang findings namin sa barangay,” Barangay Lower Dagsian Chairman Henry Farnikan said.

Following the incidents, the city government enforced stricter monitoring under Memorandum No. 178, Series of 2025, which orders tighter implementation of laws against the selling and use of firecrackers in Baguio City. The order directs all 128 barangay chairpersons, the Baguio City Police, and the Public Order and Safety Division to conduct regular patrols in their areas.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong warned that barangay officials will be held accountable if violations continue.

“Pati sila, we will hold them accountable, ‘yung mga barangay officials. Lalong-lalo na kung may injury sa mga barangay nila. We will hold them accountable,” he said.

The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center also reminded the public to know basic first aid in case of firecracker injuries.

“Pag avulsion po, wash with clean water, apply deep pressure at dalhin sa pinakamalapit na ospital. Ospital po ang sinabi ko dahil sila po ang magma-manage niyan, hospital case po ‘yan,” Senior Health Program Officer Ann Katrina Dela Cruz said.

Based on the latest data from the Department of Health, seven firecracker-related injuries have been recorded nationwide as of December 23, 2025, from more than 60 hospitals. Four of the victims are 19 years old and below, with most injuries caused by boga and five star firecrackers.

Authorities again urged the public to avoid using firecrackers and to follow safety rules to prevent injuries during the holiday season.