CEBU CITY — The Department of Health in Central Visayas revealed that the number of fireworks-related injuries on Christmas Eve has decreased by 58 percent from 24 in 2021 to only 10 cases this year.

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit reported nine cases of firecracker injury in several towns in the Cebu province and it added that only one case was reported in Bohol province.

RESU-7 cluster head Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal stressed that there are zero injuries due to firecrackers in the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue as well as in the province of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

She added that the figures from the previous report may differ due to late reports submitted and for further verification.

To recall, the DoH-7 launched on 13 December the "Oplan Iwas Paputok' campaign to remind the public to be extra careful as Dr. Jaime Bernadas, its regional director, said they have aimed for "zero firecracker-related incidents" during the Christmas and New Year.