BAGUIO CITY: The Department of Health (DOH) in the Cordillera region has reported 25 cases of firecracker-related injuries as of January 1, with the majority involving minors who used improvised devices known as ‘boga’ to generate loud sounds. This information comes as authorities continue to address the safety concerns associated with the festive season.

According to Philippines News Agency, Genee Austria, head of the DOH-Cordillera Communications Management Unit, stated that 12 of the injuries were caused by ‘boga,’ as recorded early on January 1. Other types of fireworks involved in the injuries included kwitis with six cases, luces with two, five-star with two, and one each due to mother rocket, whistle bomb, and dart bomb. Austria pointed to a combination of children’s curiosity and online accessibility to instructional content as significant contributors to these incidents.

The report indicates that from December 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the province of Abra registered the highest number of fireworks-related injuries with eight cases. This was followed by Baguio City with five cases, and Apayao, Benguet, and Kalinga with three each. The Mountain Province reported two cases, while Ifugao had one. The ages of the victims ranged from 4 to 54 years, with males making up the majority of the cases at 19.

In terms of the nature of injuries, seven cases involved eye trauma, while 16 involved blast or burn injuries without amputation. There was one case of amputation and another involving multiple injuries. In response to the incidents, the Baguio City Police confiscated and destroyed 5,521 illegal fireworks, including 208 boga and 1,067 kwitis, as part of their efforts to curb illegal fireworks activities.

The DOH has emphasized the importance of public safety during the festive season, urging individuals to handle unexploded fireworks with caution and encouraging families to closely monitor children’s activities.