The Department of Health (DoH) on Monday reported that it has recorded at least 17 cases of firecracker-related injuries with just days before Christmas.

In its report, the DoH said that the cases were recorded from 62 sentinel hospitals of the DoH from 22 to 23 December.

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

This is 113 percent higher compared to 2023, when there were six cases in the same period.

The DoH reminded the public to avoid using any kind of fireworks and instead use alternative sounds such as drums, trumpets, etc.

It also urged parents to ban children from using firecrackers.

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

The public is also reminded that the National Emergency hotline can be called at 911, and the DoH hotline can be reached at 1555 in case of need.