The New Year celebration in Muntinlupa City saw a rise in firecracker injuries, with 33 cases recorded — a 371 percent increase compared to the previous year’s celebration.

The rise in injuries occurred despite an ordinance prohibiting the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. However, some residents defied the ban to welcome the New Year.

The Muntinlupa City Health Office Surveillance Team, in its final report, recorded 33 firecracker- and pyrotechnic device-related injuries from 26 December to 3 January.

The tally marked a 371-percent increase compared to the seven injuries recorded during the 2023-2024 New Year celebration.

Of the total injured, 21 (64 percent) were male, while 12 (36 percent) were female.

The youngest victim was five years old, and the oldest was 58 years old, with the average age being 22.

Of the total firecracker incidents, nine (27 percent) involved children aged five to 10 years old, the highest among age brackets.