BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in the Cordillera region reported 25 cases of firecracker-related injuries (FWRI) as of Jan. 1, with most victims being minors who improvised “boga” to produce loud sounds.
“There are 12 injuries caused by ‘boga’ recorded as of 6 a.m. on January 1,” said Genee Austria, head of the DOH-Cordillera Communications Management Unit in a statement on Wednesday.
Other injuries involved kwitis with six; luces, two; five-star, two; and one each due to mother rocket, whistle bomb and dart bomb.
Austria highlighted that children’s curiosity, paired with online access to instructions, has contributed to the injuries.
“Families play a vital role in monitoring children, especially during this festive season,” she emphasized.
From Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025, Abra recorded the highest number of fireworks-related injuries at eight, followed by Baguio City, five; Apayao, Benguet and Kalinga with three each; Mountain Province, two and Ifugao, one.
Victims ranged in age from 4 to 54, with males comprising the majority (19 cases).
Injuries included eye trauma, seven, blast or burn injuries without amputation, 16, and one case each of amputation and multiple injuries.
Meanwhile, Baguio City Police confiscated and destroyed 5,521 illegal fireworks, including 208 boga and 1,067 kwitis.
The DOH, meanwhile, urged the public to prioritize safety and handle unexploded fireworks with caution. **Liza Agoot
