Firecracker injuries in Capiz down to 25

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Firecracker-related injuries in Capiz province rose to 25 during the recent holiday period, a figure lower than last year’s total, according to health authorities.

Joeffry Espiritu, Management Officer IV of the Department of Health in Capiz, said the number reflects a 19.35% decrease compared with the same period in 2024, when 31 cases were recorded.

Data from the Capiz Provincial Health Office showed Roxas City and Dumalag recorded five cases each.

Dumarao followed with four cases, while Mambusao and Pontevedra logged three cases each.

Jamindan reported two cases, while Ivisan, Panitan and Tapaz had one case each.

Despite the overall decline, seven victims suffered finger amputations, compared with no amputation cases recorded during the same period last year.

Provincial health officials noted that while there were no amputations in 2024, the province recorded a total of 32 firecracker-related injuries during that period.

One of the victims with blast or burn injuries requiring amputation was a 13-year-old boy from Pontevedra whose third finger was severed after a “bawang-bawang” firecracker exploded in his hand.

Another victim was a 56-year-old man from Barangay Barra in Roxas City who was under the influence of alcohol when a whistle bomb exploded, resulting in the loss of his ring finger.

A third victim was an 18-year-old man from Dumarao who lost his index finger, while a 45-year-old man from Dumalag lost a finger on his right hand after a whistle bomb exploded.

Health authorities said both the third and fourth victims were under the influence of alcohol while attempting to ignite whistle bombs.

The fifth amputation victim was a 39-year-old man from Mambusao whose middle finger was severed after a “kwitis” exploded.

The sixth identified victim was a 32-year-old man, also reportedly under the influence of alcohol, who lost his third finger after a whistle bomb detonated in his hand.

Health officials did not immediately release details on the seventh amputation case, as validation and reporting were still ongoing.

The Department of Health continues to urge the public to avoid using firecrackers and to refrain from handling explosives while under the influence of alcohol, citing recurring injuries during the holiday season.