At least 40 people were injured by firecrackers in Quezon City as of Friday, a figure more than 60 percent lower than the number recorded during the same period last year, the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division reported yesterday (QCESD).

Of the total number of victims, 33 were male and seven were female, with 20 cases involving individuals aged 19 and below, indicating that most of those affected were young people.

The QCESD said 29 cases involved “passive involvement,” meaning the victims were hit by stray firecrackers, while 11 cases were classified as “active involvement,” or those who directly handled firecrackers.

No cases of firecracker ingestion or injuries caused by stray bullets have been reported so far.

Despite the conclusion of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Quezon City government continues to remind the public to observe safety measures.

Health officials said the lower injury count suggests a more cautious celebration this year, but warned that risks remain if safety precautions are ignored.

The drop in cracker injuries in Quezon City tracked a similar drop nationwide.