DOH: Firework-related injuries climb to 25 ahead of 2025 New Year revelry

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 25 firework-related injuries as of Dec. 24, Tuesday, more than a week before the New Year celebration.

The DOH said eight new cases were added from Dec. 23 up to 6 a.m. of Christmas Eve.

This was lower than the 12 cases logged in the same period last year, according to the agency.

Of the total number, 20 people were 19 years old and below. There were 23 injured male on record.

The DOH started its monitoring of firework-related injuries on Sunday, culling data from 62 sentinel hospitals nationwide. The first report was published on Monday.

Health officials advised against the use of firecrackers and asked the public to report those using and selling of illegal fireworks.

They also said not to collect or use fireworks already left on streets.

During the 2024 New Year festivities, the DOH recorded 609 firework-related injuries, the highest since the 633 cases in 2017. There were two deaths associated with this year's revelry.