The Department of Health (DOH) logged a total of 18 firecracker-related injuries on Christmas Day. This brings the total case log to 43.

Of the figure, 34 of the victims are aged 19 below. Meanwhile, 39 are male and 4 are female. Thirty-seven or 86 percent of the cases are from illegal firecrackers, paricularly boga.

The DOH reminded the public to welcome the New Year safely and healthily and avoid the use of illegal firecrackers such as boga, 5-star, and Piccolo.

It also reminded the public to avoid using any kind of fireworks and instead use alternative sounds like drums, trumpets, etc.

It also urged parents to ban children from from using firecrackers.

The Health department also instructed to not pick up or light fireworks scattered on the road. The public also reminded that the National Emergency hotline can be called at the number 911 and 1555 for the DOH hotline in case of need of help.