Baguio warns vs firecrackers, enforces strict penalties

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Health Services Office (CHSO) has begun its annual surveillance monitoring of fireworks- and firecracker-related injuries from December 21, 2025 until January 4, 2026, as city officials reiterated a strict ban on firecrackers and warned of penalties for violators ahead of New Year celebrations.

City Ordinance No. 53, series of 2009, enforces a total ban on the sale, possession, and use of all firecrackers prohibited by national law within the city at all times.

Violators face escalating penalties: confiscation and a ₱2,000 fine for first offense; ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 fine for second offense; and revocation of business permit and up to 30 days imprisonment for third offense, at the discretion of the court.

Despite the ordinance, two fireworks-related injuries involving minors were recorded on December 21 and 22, according to CHSO reports.

The first incident occurred on December 21 at around 6:10 p.m. in Purok 5, Lower Dagsian, where an 11-year-old boy sustained blast and burn injuries to his right hand after a firecracker exploded while he was igniting it. The firecracker was identified as a “5 Star,” an illegal and powerful type of firecracker. The child suffered first-degree burns on the right thumb and partially avulsed nails on three fingers, but no amputation. He was treated at a hospital and later discharged in improved condition.

The second case was reported on December 22 at around 6:00 p.m. in Barangay Irisan involving a 12-year-old boy injured by fireworks while on the street. He sustained second-degree burns on his left hand and first-degree burns on his left forearm. He was treated and later sent home.

Both cases involved minors and did not involve alcohol intoxication.

Dr. Donnabel T. Panes of the CHSO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit renewed her appeal for a safe yuletide celebration, urging residents to use hornpipes or trumpets (“torotot”) instead of firecrackers and to avoid unsupervised fireworks displays.

Last year, CHSO recorded 14 firecracker-related injuries from December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025, involving eight Baguio residents and six individuals from Benguet municipalities. Most injuries affected the eyes, with one case resulting in hand amputation. Many wounds were caused by improvised noisemakers known locally as “boga,” made from polyvinyl pipes. Victims ranged from 7 to 32 years old, and were mostly male bystanders.

To reduce injuries and smoke pollution, the city continues to promote a community fireworks display instead of household firecrackers.

This year, Baguio City has again prepared a New Year’s Countdown program at Melvin Jones, expected to include a regulated fireworks display.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong reiterated his warning against illegal fireworks and called on parents and guardians to closely supervise children as Christmas and New Year celebrations approach.