The Province of South Cotabato logged at least six firecracker-related injuries as of morning on Friday, December 26, 2025.

According to the provincial government, the data is from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit from December 21, 2025 until 6 a.m. of December 26.

The provincial government said the number showed a 57 percent decrease compared to the number of cases in the same period in 2024.

Authorities added that all cases involved male patients between six to 34 years old, with the 20 to 29 age group being the most affected.

Five patients were treated as outpatients while only one required hospital admission.

The provincial government said the people concerned sustained injuries while handling fireworks actively, including illegal firecrackers.

As of this writing, no deaths or injuries from stray bullets were reported.

“This decline shows that safety awareness efforts are working,” the provincial government said.

As the holiday celebrations continue, the public is urged to prioritize safety by avoiding illegal fireworks, keeping children away from fireworks, supervising minors closely, and choosing safer alternatives such as noise makers or community fireworks display.