KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Department of Health–Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in SOCCSKSARGEN recorded 41 firework-related injuries across the region from 21 December 2025 to 8 a.m. of 01 January 2026, data released on Friday showed.

Of the total cases, nine involved eye injuries, 31 resulted in no amputation, one case required amputation, and one patient sustained hearing loss. The majority of those injured were male, accounting for 37 cases, while four were female.

In terms of age distribution, the DOH reported that four victims were children, while the rest were adults, underscoring that firework-related accidents affected both minors and adults during the holiday festivities.

Health officials identified illegal and high-risk fireworks as the most common causes of injury. The “5-star” firework topped the list with 11 cases, followed by kwitis with eight, triangle with six, boga with four, and sparklers with two.

By province, South Cotabato recorded the highest number with 18 cases, followed by North Cotabato with 12, Sultan Kudarat with six, Sarangani with three, and General Santos City with two cases.

Despite the injuries, the DOH noted a significant decline of 51 percent compared to the same period in 2024, when 84 firework-related injuries were recorded in the region.

Health authorities credited the decrease to intensified information campaigns and stricter enforcement against illegal fireworks but reiterated their call for the public to avoid hazardous pyrotechnics and opt for safer alternatives in future celebrations.