Firecracker-related injuries at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMC) in Manila increased over the holidays, Sandra Aguinaldo reported on "24 Oras" on Tuesday.
Based on its five-day monitoring, cases of fireworks-related injuries reported at the hospital went up from four to eight as of December 26.
Of the figures, four were due to illegal firecrackers called "5-star" while others were caused by whistle bombs, baby rockets, and kwitis.
"Karamihan po mga minor injury tulad ng burns po ang nakuha nitong mga pasyente na dinala. 'Pag naputukan po ang kamay puwedeng magka lasog-lasog. Sa mga ganung bagay naman po nakahanda po ang Jose Reyes para gamutin sila," said medical officer Dr. Paul Lorenzo.
(Most cases suffer from minor injuries like burns but some injuries may also lead to hand amputation. We are ready for those cases.)
The JRMC said fireworks-related injuries were higher this year compared to 2022, the same trend the Department of Health (DOH) has observed.
"Lima na 'yung naputulan ng daliri at may mga tinamaan din sa mata. Mula noong nag-pandemic tayo, talagang bumaba 'yung bilang dahil sa restrictions," Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag said.
(Five patients needed finger amputation. Others were hit in their eyes. Case of firecrackers-related injuries dropped during the pandemic because of the restrictions.)
"Pagpasok ng 2023 na kung saan ay talagang wala na tayong restrictions ay dumami na 'yung gumagamit ng paputok," he said.
(But now that we don't have restrictions, the number of individuals using firecrackers spiked this 2023.)
Tayag also advised the public to refrain from using firecrackers and remain vigilant even while watching community fireworks displays.
"May dalawa kaming na-monitor na kung saan nagkaroon sila ng injury, nandoon sila sa tinatawag nating fireworks display sa community," he said.
(We monitored two cases of injuries due to community fireworks displays. )
"Kailangan maging maingat. Propesyonal lang ang gagawa po noon at ayusin bago magsindi ng display para walang maaaksidente doon sa mga manonood po," the health official added.
(We need to be vigilant. Professionals should conduct those displays to avoid incidents.)
Authorities warn vs boga
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) also warned the public against boga, which is considered an illegal firework in the country.
"'Pag sumabog ito depende sa laki ng lata kung di mawawarak ang kamay. Ang tendency kapag hindi nakaya ng mga pvc sa mukha po ang tama ninyo," said PNP-FEO Police Lieutenant Arturo Garingan in Jun Veneracion's "24 Oras" report.
(When the boga device explodes, then the victim may damage his hands. It may also damage his face.)
"Hindi lang ikabulag talagang ikamamatay mo ito maniwala kayo sa akin hindi talaga advisable ito," he said.
(Using boga is not advisable because it may lead to blindness, or worse, death)
Latest data from the PNP showed it seized a total of 78 boga devices across the country.
Boga is among the top causes of firecrackers-related injuries in 2019, 2022, and 2023.
To prevent its use, PNP said it will monitor the sale of the device even on online platforms. Authorities will also put up tarpaulins reminding the public to refrain from using them. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News
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