Three days before Christmas, the Department of Health (DOH) logged 17 cases of firecracker-related injuries.

The cases were recorded from 62 sentinel hospitals of the DOH from 22 to 23 December.

Of these cases, 16 were male, aged seven to 37 years.

This reflects a 113 percent increase compared to 2023, which logged six cases during the same period.

The DOH reminded the public to avoid using fireworks and instead opt for safer alternatives, such as drums, trumpets, and other noise-making instruments.

It also urged parents to prohibit children from handling firecrackers.

“Firecrackers are dangerous to children. Let’s close 2024 safely and welcome 2025 healthily,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

The public was also reminded to contact the National Emergency Hotline at 911 or the DOH Hotline at 1555 for assistance in case of emergencies.