1-1-2024 (MANILA) A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Central Luzon as a four-year-old boy lost all five fingers on his right hand and sustained a neck injury due to a firecracker, as reported by the Department of Health (DOH) on the eve of the New Year.
Expressing deep concern, the DOH highlighted the alarming issue of deadly and illegal firecrackers falling into the hands of young children. The reported cases now include the tragic amputation caused by a dart bomb, with no additional reports of ingestion at this point.
The DOH’s latest update reveals seven new cases, bringing the total number of firework-related injuries (FWRI) to 115 before the New Year’s Eve celebrations. All eight new cases involve males aged four to 37, with five incidents directly attributed to the use of illegal fireworks.
Of the total FWRI cases, nearly four out of every 10 originated from the National Capital Region, accounting for 44 cases. Central Luzon and the Ilocos region follow closely with 13 cases each, while the Davao region reported only one case so far.
Illegal fireworks such as boga, 5-star, piccolo, and pla-pla have been identified as contributors to some of the FWRI cases. In response, the DOH has called upon the Philippine National Police to escalate efforts in cracking down on illegal fireworks.
