DOH: Firecrackers hurt 18 people on Christmas Day

Metro Manila, Philippines - Eighteen people were injured on Christmas Day due to firecrackers, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Wednesday, Dec. 25.

The DOH said the 18 cases of injury were monitored from Dec. 24 to 6 a.m. of Dec. 25, noting this was lower than the 28 cases recorded during the same period last year.

The new cases brought the running tally of fireworks-related injuries to 43 in 62 hospitals nationwide that are part of a surveillance system.

Of the number, 34 victims are aged 19 years old and below, mostly male.

Health officials noted that 37 of the cases were caused by illegal fireworks, particularly boga, an improvised cannon.

Other leading causes were 5-Star and piccolo.

The DOH urged the public to report those selling and using these illegal fireworks.

The agency also campaigned for community fireworks displays and alternative noisemakers.