THE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported over 300 cases of firecraker-related injuries.
In a post on Facebook, the department said that cases of firecracker-related injuries totaled 340 from Dec. 22, 2024 to 6 a.m. of Jan. 1, 2025.
The DOH said that 141 of the cases were new on Wednesday.
“The new cases recorded this 2025 New Year’s eve was lower by 64 percent compared with last year, but there might be late reports,” it said in Filipino.
The department said 239 of the victims were 19 years old and below while 101 were 20 years old and above.
Most of them were male, numbering 299. The females totaled 41.
The DOH said that “202 (59 percent) of cases were caused by illegal firecrackers (like boga, 5-star, and piccolo)…”
It said that the data were from 62 sentinel sites it was monitoring for firecracker-related injuries.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that it had apprehended 21 people for indiscriminate firearm discharges during the recent holiday season. Among those arrested were a PNP officer, a correctional officer and a security guard.
PNP spokesman P/Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the police officer was intoxicated when he fired his weapon in Rizal province, an incident brought to light through reports from concerned residents. In a separate case, a Bureau of Corrections employee was arrested in the Zamboanga Peninsula, while the security guard was detained in Calabarzon.
Eighteen civilians were also implicated, with seven of them still at large. These incidents, which occurred between Dec.16 and 31, resulted in injuries to five individuals and the confiscation of 17 firearms.
“Some incidents stemmed from personal quarrels, while others were due to alcohol intoxication,” Fajardo said.
“We continue to remind the public that firearms should never be handled under the influence of alcohol, especially given that most of those involved were civilians.”
The PNP also documented six cases of stray bullets, three of which were reported in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Each incident caused one injury.
In a separate crackdown, the PNP apprehended 73 individuals for the illegal sale, possession, and use of firecrackers, including those involved in online transactions.
Authorities confiscated nearly 600,000 firecracker items worth an estimated P3.9 million. The use of firecrackers during the holiday period resulted in 297 injuries, including one fatality.
Despite these incidents, Fajardo emphasized that holiday celebrations nationwide were largely peaceful. She noted a 50 percent reduction in crimes against persons and property compared to the previous year.
“Based on our assessment, there were no significant incidents that disrupted New Year’s Eve celebrations,” Fajardo said. “While injuries were reported, the overall situation remained orderly and safe.”
The PNP assured the public that monitoring and enforcement efforts would continue through January 6 to ensure safety and compliance with regulations during the extended holiday season.
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