BAGUIO CITY – Local health authorities recently disclosed alarming statistics on fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) during the holiday season, prompting calls for increased safety measures and collaboration among key stakeholders.

The Department of Health’s (DOH) 2023 Iwas Paputok report, presented by Regional DOH senior health program officer Victoria L. Malicdan, revealed a significant rise in FWRIs, raising concerns about public safety.

During a press conference held on January 10, 2024, Malicdan disclosed that from December 21, 2023, to January 6, 2024, the region witnessed a staggering 78% increase in FWRIs compared to the previous year—a significant increase of 18 cases.

When compared to the five-year average from 2018 to 2022, the increase rose to 86%, with 19 more cases reported.

The total number of FWRIs in the region this year reached 41.

Most notably, the majority of these incidents occurred in January 2024.

Although no fatalities were reported, the impact on the affected individuals, predominantly males aged 16 and below, was substantial.

Of the cases, 24% involved individuals found to be intoxicated during the incidents, which mainly transpired at home.

The DOH report outlined that 80% of the injuries were attributed to blast or burns, with no reported amputations.

Eye injuries accounted for 15% of cases, while 5% suffered multiple injuries.

Moreover, 58% of the victims were active users of firecrackers.

In Baguio City and Benguet Province, the DOH reported a 100% and 50% increase in FWRIs, respectively, compared to the same period the previous year.

A 60-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound on his left shoulder while watching a fireworks display in Baguio City on January 1.

The police have identified the firearm used and recovered a fired bullet.

The bullet is currently with the Regional Forensic Unit to determine ownership.

In response to the concerning rise in FWRIs, the DOH recommended early collaboration among key stakeholders, particularly Local Government Units (LGUs), to formulate local ordinances regulating fireworks manufacturing and use.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) was advised to provide updated lists of allowed and banned fireworks for public dissemination.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) reported confiscating a total of 14,609 prohibited firecrackers, valued at approximately P226,724.50, from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.

The majority of these were Piccolo, Five Star, and Kwiton (Kabasi).

PCol. Jeremias Oyawon of PROCOR’s Regional Operations Division emphasized the need for cooperation among municipalities without firecracker bans.

He recommended incorporating such bans into local ordinances, intensifying security measures, and collaborating with barangay officials to prevent firecracker-related incidents.

Oyawon also stressed the importance of parental supervision in the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices, urging responsible practices.

“Always supervise children, and they should never be allowed to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Only use legal or authorized fireworks and pyrotechnic devices, and use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials,” he emphasized.