Fireworks injuries drop sharply as Ph welcomes 2026 with fewer incidents

National

THE Department of Health (DOH) reported 235 fireworks-related injuries nationwide following New Year’s Eve celebrations, a figure significantly lower than last year’s tally despite ongoing surveillance.

Health officials said the number may still rise slightly as late cases are reported in the coming days.

Data from 62 sentinel hospitals showed that 62 new cases were recorded from Dec. 21, 2025 through the early hours of Jan. 1, 2026, bringing the total to 235.

The DOH noted this represents a 42 percent decrease compared with the 403 injuries logged during the same period a year earlier.

Children and teenagers accounted for most of the victims, with 69 percent aged 19 and below, while the remaining 31 percent were adults. The leading causes of injuries were unidentified fireworks, improvised cannons known as boga, and five-star firecrackers.

Despite the lower numbers, health officials cautioned that injuries are still being monitored until Jan. 5, as some victims may not have immediately sought medical care.

The DOH urged those hurt by fireworks to rinse wounds with clean running water and seek treatment, including tetanus shots, at the nearest health facility.

Police authorities, meanwhile, said the New Year celebrations were largely peaceful, with no reported deaths linked to fireworks or revelry-related incidents.

A Philstar report stated that Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. credited the deployment of more than 67,000 police officers nationwide for maintaining order in transport hubs and major roads.

Stray bullets, however, remained a concern, with several injuries reported outside Metro Manila.

Police confirmed incidents in Bulacan and Rizal, while noting that no stray bullet cases were recorded in the National Capital Region during New Year’s Eve.

Several arrests were made for indiscriminate firing of firearms in different provinces, including Manila, Benguet, Ilocos Sur and Isabela. Police said suspects face charges under the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition as authorities continue to crack down on celebratory gunfire.

Local government units also reported fireworks-related injuries in various cities, including Antipolo, Caloocan, Malabon, Pasig and Manila. While most victims suffered minor wounds, some cases involved finger amputations caused by powerful firecrackers.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)