ILOILO City – Kwitis and boga topped the list of firecrackers causing injuries during the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations in Western Visayas, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed.
From December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the region recorded 325 firework-related injuries (FWRI). Of these, 54 cases were attributed to kwitis and 51 to boga.
Resembling a small rocket, kwitis is designed to shoot into the sky before bursting. Its name comes from the Spanish word cohete, meaning rocket. While it creates a spectacular display, improper handling or faulty products often lead to injuries such as burns and eye damage.
On the other hand, boga is an improvised noisemaker traditionally made from PVC pipes or bamboo. It uses denatured alcohol or other combustible substances to create loud explosions.
Although not a firecracker in the traditional sense, boga is deemed unsafe and its unregulated use has resulted in numerous injuries, including burns and even amputations.
Other firecrackers responsible for injuries included camara, triangle, 5-Star, whistle bomb (13), bilong-bilong, candle bomb, and bamboo cannon.
Nature of Injuries
According to DOH Region 6 , majority of injuries involved:
* blast/burn without t amputation – 235 cases
* eye injuries – 70 cases
* blast/burn with amputation – 16 cases
* blast/burn with eye injury (without amputation) – four cases
Most victims were treated and discharged after receiving medical care.
The recorded FWRI cases per province and highly urbanized city are as follows: Aklan, 37; Antique, 20; Capiz, 30; Guimaras, eight; Iloilo, 76; Iloilo City, 20; Negros Occidental, 109; and Bacolod City, 25.
Increase in Cases
The recent holiday season’s tally of 325 cases marks a significant rise compared to 283 cases in 2023.
Of these, 67 cases were reported by sentinel hospitals, while 258 came from non-sentinel facilities.
Sentinel hospitals are designated medical facilities actively monitored by the DOH for disease surveillance, including firework-related injuries. They report detailed and real-time data to help gauge trends and evaluate health interventions.
On the other hand, non-sentinel facilities are hospitals and clinics that do not belong to the official monitoring network but still provide data on injuries treated.
Of the 325 firecracker-related injury cases recorded this year in Western Visayas, 67 were reported by sentinel hospitals, and 258 came from non-sentinel facilities.
Nationally, 843 cases of firecracker-related injuries, including four deaths, were reported from 62 sentinel sites, a 38% increase from 610 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Of the national total, 344 cases involved individuals aged 20 and above, while 499 cases affected those aged 19 and below.
Public Safety Reminders
Prior to and during the holidays, DOH reiterated the dangers of using firecrackers. It advised the public to observe the following safety measures in case of firework-related injuries:
* Seek immediate medical attention even for minor wounds to prevent tetanus infection.
* Monitor children and avoid allowing them to handle leftover firecrackers.
* Prepare a first-aid kit for emergencies.
* Call emergency hotlines 911 or 1555 for assistance when necessary./PN
