Firecracker-related injuries across the Ilocos Region hit 297 during the recent holiday season with hospitals reporting higher case numbers compared to the previous celebration.

At the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City, the number of patients treated for firecracker injuries rose to 50. The cases were recorded from December 21, 2025 to January 5, 2026.

Across the entire Ilocos Region, authorities recorded a total of 297 firecracker-related injuries. This figure is 37.5 percent higher than the number recorded during the same period last year.

Health officials said kwitis, whistle devices, five stars, luces, and boga were the leading causes of firework-related injuries. Most of the victims were children, 10 to 14 years old.

Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of the Center for Health Development Region 1, detailed the types of injuries recorded.

“233 ang nagkaroon ng blast o burn injuries, 19 ang nagkaroon ng amputation o pagkaputol sa bahagi ng katawan, 37 ang nagkaroon ng injury sa mata,” Bobis said.

The CHD-1 said monitoring of firecracker-related injuries officially ended on January 5, and hospitals across the region have since returned to normal operations.

Despite the rise in cases, police said some towns recorded no incidents. Mangaldan, Pangasinan achieved zero firecracker-related injuries, which authorities credited to strong public cooperation with the anti-firecracker campaign.

“Naging peaceful naman po ang New Year celebration natin. Dito sa Mangaldan, wala namang napaulat na natamaan o naputukan,” PLTCOL. Perlito Tuayon, chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, said.