The Department of Health (DOH) reported that "boga" is the leading cause of firecracker-related injuries in the Philippines, accounting for 36% of the total cases.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH's Special on Saturday, DOH Spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo revealed that the second leading cause of firecracker-related injuries is the 5-Star firecracker, followed by Piccolo in third place, Kwitis in fourth, and other types of firecrackers rounding out the list.
"Boga" is a widely used homemade firecracker in the country, typically made from plastic pipes.
Moreover, one of the factors identified by the DOH for the increase in firecracker-related injuries is the online availability of firecracker products.
"May mga paputok na available online and ang isa pa, ‘yung boga na siyang pinaka-leading na dahilan kung bakit nagkakaroon ng [firecracker-related injury], mayroon ba naman pong nakikitang online na tutorial paano gumawa ng boga," said Domingo.
"Mayroon po tayong mga legal na paputok pero ‘yung mga ilegal na paputok, one is online, two is mukhang self-made," he added.
Based on the latest update from the health agency, a total of 101 cases were recorded as of December 27, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Additionally, no cases of watusi ingestion have been recorded in hospitals as of now.
In the event of watusi ingestion, Domingo advised that children should be given 6 to 8 raw egg whites and adults, 8 to 12, before promptly bringing the affected person to the hospital.
In anticipation of the upcoming New Year's celebrations, the DOH declared a code white in hospitals as early as December 21.
"Ibig sabihin po ng code white, nakahanda po ang ating mga ospital. Ito ang unang level ng alerto, hindi po siya delikado," Domingo stated.
He further explained that this simply means the necessary resources and equipment are ready in case firecracker injury victims need to be brought in.
The DOH continues to encourage and remind the public to avoid using firecrackers and to opt for alternative noise-makers to celebrate.
"Sa ating mga kababayan, iwas paputok na lang tayo. Ang Department of Health, ang aming panawagan po [ay] mas maganda ho na salubungin ang taon na buo ang katawan. Ang pulbura ay hindi para sa pamilya, ang pulbura ay ginagamit sa mga sandata," said Domingo.
The agency also advised that money meant for firecrackers should instead be spent on food and family gatherings rather than on something that will just turn into "smoke."
