LUNA, Apayao – Fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) increased this past holiday season in Apayao province with four cases recorded versus one in the previous holidays, based on data from the Cordillera office of the Department of Health (DOH-CAR)released on January 6, 2025.
The Cordillera region has 49 FWRI cases, the highest number of cases was logged in Abra with 12. Kalinga recorded 10 with one stray bullet injury, Baguio City had 9, Benguet 8, Mountain Province 5, and Ifugao 1.
The ages of the victims were 4 to 84 years old. The injuries consisted of burns and blasts from a variety of fireworks, including the illegal types called “Boga” and “Whistle Bombs.”
Profile of FWRI cases Apayao:
December 26, 2024: 4-year-old female, sustained a blast/burn injury on the right side of her face due to a “Boga,” an illegal fireworks.
31 December 2024: male, age 26 years, had an injury caused by blast/burn to the left-hand involving thumb and middle finger caused by a “Whistle Bomb,” which is an illegal fireworks. He was reported to be intoxicated at that time.
January 1, 2025: male, age 22 years, had an injury caused by blast/burn to the left hand after the use of “Kwitis,” which is a legal firework. And a 38-year-old male, injured his left hand when hit by a “Kwitis,” a legal firework on January 1, 2025, from the blast/burn.
Patients from Apayao were referred to the nearest hospital for immediate care and treated as outpatients.
The DOH-CAR strongly urges the stricter implementation of ordinances on the no sale and no use of any prohibited firecracker in a residential area, besides urging the barangay to become more actively engaged in spreading the Information Education Campaign (IEC) materials on firecracker risks and educating the parents on proper child supervision at times of use.
DOH CAR appeals to the public to embrace healthy lifestyles, especially under the “Iwas Paputok” program, and go immediately to the nearest health facility in case they get injured because of fire incidents. By Loremia Pareja