Daily Tribune
Shoppers browse firecrackers in Divisoria, Manila, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, as New Year celebrations draw near. Vendors say the cheapest item, the lusis, sells for ₱50, while fountain-type firecrackers can cost up to ₱4,000. Other fireworks are priced at around ₱1,500 on average, depending on size and type.
John Carlo Magallon
The Department of Health (DOH) warned that even legal firecrackers are still dangerous for children.
This after the total number of fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) this holiday season jumped to 125 cases on Monday, 29 December. Of the figure, 63 cases were aged five to 14.
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said 5-star, boga (PVC cannon pipe), kwitis, and whistle bomb remained the top causes of FWRIs.
Domingo noted that kwitis and whistle bomb are both legal fireworks and are available from licensed dealers.
"So what the DOH is saying is, whether it is legal or not, children should never be allowed to hold any fireworks," he said.
Domingo called on parents and guardians to strictly monitor children against using fireworks.
Meanwhile, the regions with most cases are National Capital Region (57), Ilocos Region (12), and Central Luzon (11).
