Firecracker injuries climb to 534 as late reports come in - DOH

Metro Manila, Philippines - Hospitals reported more firecracker victims during the New Year revelry, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

The agency said it tallied 534 firecracker-related victims as of 6 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, almost 10% lower than the 592 cases in the same period last year.

Of the latest number, 188 cases were added from New Year's Eve, three from the evening of Jan. 1, and three more from previous days.

In a briefing, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said he expects cases to rise until Jan. 6, the last monitoring day.

"I can say mas mababa [it would be lower]. I don't expect it to increase a lot," Herbosa said.

"Minsan maliit na putok lang band-aid type na sugat, hindi nagpunta sa ER (emergency room) hindi na injectionan ng anti-tetanus vaccine, nagpe-present yan one week later," he said of expected tetanus cases due to firecracker injuries.

Herbosa also said the DOH is still validating three reported deaths if these were in fact related to firecrackers.

A 78-year-old man in Nueva Ecija who was injured after lighting a Judas' belt was the first confirmed death for the New Year festivities.

Over 350 victims suffered skin burns while 28 have undergone amputation.

In the latest tally, 322 victims were 19 years old and below.

Skyrockets called ‘kwitis’ were the top cause of injury and followed by boga or improvised cannon.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said two people were hit by stray bullets in Tondo, Manila and Pasig City amid the revelry.