BAGUIO CITY — Nine fireworks-related injuries, including a suspected stray bullet victim and a 14-year-old boy who lost his hand to a prohibited pyrotechnic device, were recorded in the city during the recent holiday festivities, authorities said Friday.
The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) is investigating the alleged stray bullet incident involving a 32-year-old male from San Luis Village.
The victim sustained abrasions on the right side and back of his body, received treatment at a hospital, and was discharged shortly after.
In a separate case, a 14-year-old male from Military Cutoff suffered severe injuries caused by a banned device known as “crying cow” or “pla pla,” which resulted in the amputation of his right arm.
The City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) noted that this was the first documented case of fireworks-related amputation in the city since 2009.
The CESU recorded the following additional cases from 12 midnight on December 24, 2024, to 5:59 a.m. on January 3, 2025:
- A 14-year-old male from Gabriela Silang sustained an eye injury due to “boga.”
- A nine-year-old male from Asin Road suffered a right thumb blast injury caused by Five Star.
- A 10-year-old male from Alfonso Tabora incurred blast injuries to his abdomen, thigh, and forearm, also due to boga.
- A seven-year-old male from Bakakeng Central sustained an eye injury, again attributed to boga.
- A 13-year-old male from Pinget experienced an eye injury from boga; he was treated and sent home.
- A 27-year-old female from Asin Road sustained an eye injury caused by “kwitis,” treated and discharged.
- A 16-year-old male from Gibraltar suffered a second-degree burn on his posterior calf due to boga; he was treated and sent home.
The CESU reported that the number of injuries this year appears to be lower than the 12 cases recorded during the same period last year, though surveillance continues until January 4.
“Boga,” an improvised noisemaker made from polyvinyl pipes and banned under the law, was linked to most injuries. Victims of boga-related incidents were predominantly minors, officials said.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed dismay over the incidents, noting that they occurred despite the city’s ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of banned devices.
The BCPO conducted multiple operations across barangays to crack down on illegal fireworks, seizing large quantities of prohibited devices and apprehending violators, many of whom were minors.
The CESU and local authorities continue to remind the public of the dangers of fireworks and the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
Source: Baguio City PIO
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