By Glen S. Ramos
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region today disclosed a total of 25 fireworks-related injury (FWRI) cases from December 21-27, 2023 with children who are mostly affected.
According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) report, the figure is 79% higher compared to the same period last year with only 14 FWRI cases reported.
Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo M. Albornoz strongly advised parents to watch their children mindfully to avoid firecracker-related injuries or deaths. “Karamihan po ng mga biktima ng firecrackers ngayong taon ay mga bata kaya bantayan po nating mabuti ang ating mga anak at huwag natin silang hayaang magsindi ng anumang klase ng paputok. Bawalan din silang mamulot ng mga paputok at baka ito ay sumabog sa kanilang mga kamay.”
Ages of cases ranged from 7-74 years with 9 FWRI cases recorded among 10-14 years old, 5 cases recorded from 5-9 years old, 3 cases from 30-34 yo, 2 – 15-19 yo, 2 – 25-29 yo, 1 – 35-39 yo, 1 – 40-44 yo, 1 – 45-49, and 1 from 70-74 yo. There are 20 (80%) males and 5 (20%) females injured.
Albornoz said that 16 of the 25 are passive cases, mostly observers and bystanders while 9 are active participants or directly in contact with the firecrackers.
A total of 21 (84%) suffered blast/burn injury with no amputation, 3 (12%) suffered blat/burn with amputation injury and 1 (4%) suffered eye injury.
Pangasinan has the most FWRI cases recorded with 20 (80%) with Dagupan City having 16 of FWRI cases. La Union has 4 (6%) cases and Ilocos Sur with 1 (4%) FWRI case.
Albornoz added that 17 injuries were causes by unlabeled imported firecrackers. “Mayroon tayong 3 kaso ng boga, 2 mula sa kwitis at tig-isa naman mula sa “one star”, “piccolo” at “bawang”.
“Legal man o illegal, ang lahat ng ito ay pumuputok and it can cause serious injury, especially to children. And they are the most affected during this holiday season dahil sila ang mga laging nasa labas ng bahay at naglalaro,” he emphasized.
“Mas makabubuting huwag ng bumili pa o magsindi ng kahit anung paputok. Mas importante na tayo at ligtas sa anumang disgrasya sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon.”
DOH – Region 1 also called the cooperation of all local government units and the Philippine National Police to regulate and control the sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers, especially among minors.
