Two children suffered burns and had their fingers severed due to firecrackers, the Department of Health (DoH) reported on Saturday.

According to the DoH, an eight-year-old lost his index finger and thumb when a whistle bomb set off in front of him.

Meanwhile, two fingers were also severed from a 16-year-old child due to a 5-star.

“It’s a permanent injury, so parents need to prevent young people from lighting firecrackers),” DoH Secretary Ted Herbosa.

“Children need to be reminded of the dangers of fireworks. Tell them also not to pick up fireworks,” Herbosa added.

Health Promotion Bureau Director Kristina Marasigan also urged the public to just use alternative noisemakers instead to avoid multiple injuries due to firecrackers.

“Firecrackers can affect not only one part of the body, but can also spread to other parts of the body),” Marasigan warned.

“Just use a pot or a ladle to make noise or just sing using the videoke,” she added.

On Saturday, the agency recorded 21 new cases of fireworks-related injuries, bringing the total to 57. Thirty-five of whom are 19 years old and below.

Even though the health department logged 49 percent fewer cases compared to the 112 cases on the same period in 2024, it still reminded the public that using fireworks is dangerous — whether sold legally.

Most firecracker-related injuries involved 5-Star, kwitis, boga (PVC pipe cannon) and triangulo.

Meanwhile, personnel of the Manila Police District conducted surprise inspections of fireworks vendors in Divisoria, Manila, also on Saturday.

Authorities warned that those found violating fireworks regulations face penalties ranging from six months to one year in prison, along with a P20,000 fine.

The inspections form part of heightened enforcement efforts to prevent accidents and ensure public safety ahead of the New Year celebrations.

With demand from Metro Manila expected to surge, shoppers crowded fireworks stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan, known as the country’s fireworks capital, as demand surged days before the New Year.

Despite the tight spaces and heavy foot traffic, buyers continued to flock to the area, undeterred by rising prices, to uphold a long-standing Filipino New Year tradition.

Young and old alike lined up at the stalls, with many saying the celebration would feel incomplete without fireworks.

According to Gary, an employee at one of the fireworks shops, prices were lower before Christmas but have since increased.

He cited specific examples, saying regular “kwitis” that previously sold for P6 per piece now costs as much as P10 each.

“Before Christmas, prices were low, but now it’s the opposite because fireworks prices have gone up by five percent compared to last week,” he said.

Meanwhile, colorful aerial fireworks with 16 shots are now selling for up to P1,200, compared to P950 previously.

Vendors expect prices to continue rising as New Year’s Eve approaches.

“Tomorrow, the ‘kwitis’ will already be P10. As New Year gets closer, prices keep going up,” a vendor said.

“Earlier, we ran out of ‘kwitis,’ new stocks arrived, so there’s a new price again. I advise people to buy early. And please be careful so you don’t get hurt,” he added.

Fire trucks and police patrols were also seen roaming the area to ensure the safety of shoppers.