The Department of Health (Department of Health) recorded a 42 percent drop in firework-related injuries during the New Year celebrations.

The DOH reported a total of 235 cases from 21 December 2025, to 4 a.m. of 1 January 2026.

Data gathered from 62 sentinel hospitals showed the figure was 42 percent lower than the number of cases recorded during the same period in 2024 and significantly below the 403 injuries logged on January 1, 2025 alone.

The DOH said 161 of the cases involved individuals aged 19 and below, underscoring the continued vulnerability of minors to firework-related accidents.

The department also noted that 62 cases were already recorded on 21 December, the first day of its annual injury surveillance.

Most of the injuries were linked to unidentified fireworks, “boga,” and “five star” firecrackers, consistent with trends observed in previous years.

Health officials again urged the public to refrain from using firecrackers and instead opt for safer noise-making alternatives.

The DOH reminded the public to immediately bring anyone injured by fireworks to the nearest hospital and to call the National Emergency Hotline 911 for urgent medical assistance.

The agency reiterated its appeal for a “safe and injury-free holiday celebration,” emphasizing its long-standing advocacy against the use of illegal and dangerous pyrotechnic devices.