1 dead due to stray bullet, 2 kids ingest fireworks during New Year revelry - DOH

Metro Manila, Philippines - One person has died due to a stray bullet, while two children ingested fireworks during the New Year revelry, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday, Jan. 4.

In its latest bulletin, the agency said a 19-year-old male from Davao del Norte was hit by a bullet while celebrating outside their home.

The DOH said it is the first confirmed case of stray bullet death this year.

Meanwhile, two incidents of firework ingestion were also recorded, involving a three-year-old and a two-year-old child.

67 new cases of firework-related injuries were reported on Saturday, including 39 victims during New Year’s eve.

As of Jan. 3, the agency’s tally is at 771, which is 27.6% higher than the 604 cases logged year-on-year.

Majority of the victims were youth, with 453 patients aged 19 years old and below.

According to the DOH, ‘kwitis’ remains the primary cause of injuries, followed by 5-star and boga.