The Department of Health (DOH) reported 340 cases of firecracker-related injuries on New Year's day.
According to the DOH, the figures are drawn from 62 sentinel sites under the agency's monitoring, covering injuries reported between December 22 and the morning of January 1.
Among the reported injuries, 239 involved individuals aged 19 or younger. Meanwhile, 299 of the victims were male, while 41 were female.
The report shows that 202 cases, or 59%, were linked to illegal firecrackers like boga, 5-star, and piccolo, with 186 cases (54.7%) involving active use.
New cases recorded on New Year's Eve 2025 are 64% lower compared to the previous year, though the DOH indicates that late reports might affect the count.
Moreover, as people welcomed the New Year, firecrackers primarily caused injuries that included eye damage, amputation, and skin burns.
Based on the reported age range, the majority of firecracker victims remain to be young individuals.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos on January 2, DOH Spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo stated that the agency's last-minute reminders against firecrackers seemed to have had an effect, as reflected in the decrease in the number of victims.
The DOH previously issued a reminder to refrain from using firecrackers and instead opt for alternative noisemakers, such as horns and pots.
The agency also reiterated its reminder to the public to consult a hospital or doctor, no matter how small the injury from firecrackers, to prevent tetanus.
Meanwhile, the DOH has not recorded any incidents of injuries from indiscriminate firing among the 27 cases reported by the Philippine National Police.
