ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has raised concerns over the number of firecracker-related injuries involving children aged 1 to 10 years. Among the victims was a five-year-old boy, the youngest recorded case.
Between December 21 and January 2, the province documented 35 firecracker and fireworks-related injuries. Of these, 17 cases (48.5%) involved children aged one to 10, all of them boys.
The next most affected group was those aged 11 to 20 years, with 10 cases, also all male.
Other age groups reported were:
* 21 to 30 years – four cases (all male)
* 31 to 40 years – one case (male)
* above 41 years – three cases (two male, one female)
“This is alarming. Majority of the victims are aged one to 10,” said IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
Overall, however, the province saw a significant 64% decrease in cases compared to the 97 cases recorded last year.
Setting off firecrackers and fireworks during the holiday season is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, a festive way of welcoming of good fortune and driving away evil spirits as the new year begins.
However, the practice has also led to recurring safety concerns, with children being the most vulnerable to injuries despite government regulations and safety campaigns.
Miag-ao Tops List of Affected Areas
The municipality with the highest number of cases was Miag-ao, with six reported injuries.
Other areas with high cases included:
* Passi City – five cases
* Ajuy, Dumangas, Oton – three cases each
* Cabatuan, San Enrique, Santa Barbara – two cases each
* Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, Lambunao, San Joaquin, San Miguel, and Sara – one case each
Most Common Injuries
“Eye injuries were the most common,” Dr. Quiñon revealed.
Here’s the breakdown of recorded injuries:
* eye injuries – 20 cases (57%)
* blast or burn injuries without amputation – 13 cases (37%)
* Blast or burn injuries with amputation – two cases (6%)
‘Boga’ Causes Most Harm
The improvised boga cannon, made of bamboo or PVC pipe, was the leading cause of injuries, responsible for 17 of the 35 cases.
The use of boga is prohibited under Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183, which regulate the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Other firecrackers involved were:
* Bamboo cannon – three cases
* Triangle firecracker – five cases
* Kamara – five cases
* Piccolo, kwitis, sparkler – one case each
* Unlabeled firecrackers – two cases
Stray Bullets Reported
The IPHO also recorded two stray bullet incidents in Pavia and Alimodian town. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either case.
“This year, we are thankful that no one was harmed in these stray bullet incidents,” Dr. Quiñon said./PN
