Hospitals in Western Visayas reported fewer fireworks-related injuries in the days leading to 2021.
The Department of Health (DOH-6) recorded 11 injuries from December 21 to 31, 2020, lower compared to 39 logged in the same period a year ago.
Dr. Bea Natalaray, head of the health department’s Non-Communicable Disease Sector attributed the decline to Executive Order No. 28 Series of 2017, which provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
She also cited the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on personal finances as among the reasons for the decrease in the number of injuries.
Of the total cases in the region, five were from province of Iloilo, two from Antique, and one each from Aklan,Capiz, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
Ten of the cases involved males and one female, aged from four to 45 years old.
Majority of the injuries were caused by “boga”, an improvised cannon.
Seven of the victims suffered eye injuries while five were classified as “blast and burn without amputation.”IMT
