DOH-NIR reports 105 fireworks-related injuries

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Health–Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) recorded 105 fireworks-related injuries as of Jan. 2.

Negros Occidental reported the highest number with 75 cases, followed by Negros Oriental with 26. Bacolod City and Siquijor had two cases each.

Eleven victims were confirmed to be intoxicated, while 35 were actively using or lighting firecrackers at the time of injury.

As of Jan. 1, the cases included 47 blast or burn injuries without amputation, 13 eye injuries, eight combined eye and blast or burn injuries without amputation, and one case that resulted in hand amputation.

DOH-NIR Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos said 86 percent of the victims were male, and 14 percent were female.

The youngest victim was 2 years old, and the oldest was 52.

Ramos said the most severe case involved a hand amputation due to a blast or burn injury.

The most commonly involved firecrackers were Triangle (17 cases) and Boga (11), followed by Kwitis (eight).

There were five cases each involving Lata Cañon, Five Star, and whistle bombs; four cases from sparklers; three from unidentified firecrackers; two each from bamboo cannons, candle bombs, and sky rockets; and one case each involving a granada, camara, dragon firecracker, improvised fireworks, and lantaka.

In a Jan. 1 press briefing at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, Ramos attributed the decrease in cases to the DOH’s intensified safe-holiday campaign.

The campaign began Dec. 15, 2025, in partnership with other government agencies, and was launched before the holidays.

“Natututo na ang tao in terms of safely celebrating the New Year,” Ramos said.

He emphasized the need for continued education, especially among children and parents, noting that most victims were minors.

Some injuries, he said, were caused by the actions of relatives or siblings who were using firecrackers.

While passive exposure is difficult to prevent, Ramos said it is a shared responsibility to keep communities safe.

“Celebrations are meant to bring families together, not send loved ones to hospitals,” he said.