BAGUIO CITY– In its latest update, the Department of Health Cordillera reports that the number of cases of injuries related to the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations is higher than last year in the whole of the Cordillera Region.

The agency disclosed that seven cases were added as of 3 January 2024 making the total number 34. Last December 2022 to January 2023, DOH listed 23 cases of injuries caused by firecrackers or Fire Works Related Injuries.

Of the 34 cases in the region, Kalinga Province tops the list with the highest number of casualties of 13. Baguio City followed second with 11 cases, Abra Province meanwhile has five FWRIs, Apayao Province with three cases, and Benguet with two cases.

DOJ revealed that the average age of the victims is from five to 60 years old. 53 percent of the fireworks used were legal. 56 percent of the total injuries were active users of fireworks, and most, or 55 percent happened in the homes of the victims.

No amputation and no death were reported while one case of stray bullet injury was reported from Baguio City.

A case of a stray bullet hitting a priest during the New Year revelry was listed. The health department listed no amputation among the victims.