The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported that the number of firecracker-related injuries rose to 69.

Twenty-six were logged on Thursday alone.

Of the total, 58 of the victims are below 19 years of age. Meanwhile, 65 are male, and four are female.

Fifty-one, or 71 percent, of the cases involved active use of firecrackers.

Meanwhile, 59, or 86 percent, of the cases involved illegal firecrackers, particularly boga.

The DOH reminded the public to welcome the New Year safely and healthily and to avoid using 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 urged parents to prevent children from using firecrackers.

The National Emergency hotline can be reached at 911, and the DOH hotline is 1555 in case assistance is needed.

Effects of Firecrackers

The DOH also warned that firecrackers may cause amputation of fingers, hands, and other body parts; blindness due to injury or severe irritation to the eyes; and deafness due to the force of fireworks explosions affecting hearing.

The Health Department also warned that firecrackers may cause permanent damage to the lungs and other organs due to lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide exposure.

Poisoning from eating or swallowing firecrackers or any of their parts may also occur, as well as burns that can cause permanent scarring or damage to body parts.