A senior citizen died due to firecracker-related injuries, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Saturday.

The DOH said the victim was a 78-year-old man from Central Luzon who was hospitalized on 22 December after lighting a Judas Belt. He passed away on 27 December.

The DOH continues to remind the public to refrain from using firecrackers as the New Year celebration draws near.

“Fireworks, even if legal, are dangerous. They are bombs. They explode. They can kill. Avoid fireworks for the sake of our lives,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

Over a hundred firecracker-related injuries

Additionally, the DOH recorded 24 more cases of firecracker-related injuries on Saturday, bringing the total to 125.

The DOH noted that this is 29 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

Of the 125 cases, 102 involved individuals below 19 years of age. Meanwhile, 114 were male and 11 were female.

Ninety-one cases, or 73 percent, were due to the use of illegal firecrackers such as boga, 5-star, and piccolo. Of these, 75 cases, or 60 percent, involved active firecracker users.

The DOH again reminded the public not to use firecrackers and to avoid being near those who do.

It also urged the public to report individuals using illegal firecrackers to authorities.

If a firecracker explodes, the DOH advised victims to go to the nearest health center or call 911 or 1555 for immediate assistance.