National Injury Rates Decline by 42 Percent
The Philippines welcomed 2026 with a notable reduction in firework-related injuries compared to the previous year. Data from the Department of Health (DOH) indicates a 42 percent decrease in cases, offering a positive sign for public safety. The consolidated figures from 62 sentinel hospitals nationwide show 235 injuries recorded from December 21, 2025, until 4 a.m. on January 1, 2026. This figure contrasts sharply with the 403 cases documented during the same period in 2025. Health officials attribute this decline to increased public awareness and stricter enforcement of regulations, though they caution that final numbers are still pending.
The surveillance period covers the height of the holiday season when pyrotechnic use is at its peak. Of the total cases, 62 were logged specifically after December 21, reflecting the surge in activity leading up to New Year’s Eve. While the drop is substantial, the DOH notes that data reconciliation and validation are ongoing, meaning the final tally could shift slightly as late reports arrive from hospitals across the archipelago.
Young Victims Dominate the Statistics
Despite the overall downward trend, the demographic profile of the victims remains a cause for concern. Children and teenagers continue to bear the brunt of these preventable accidents. Out of the 235 recorded cases, 161 involved individuals aged 19 and below. This means that minors accounted for 69 percent of the total injuries, while adults made up the remaining 31 percent.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa emphasized the vulnerability of young people during these festivities. He advised parents to maintain strict supervision over their children’s activities. The data aligns with observations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which has previously identified males aged 15 and below as the most frequent victims of firework-related injuries. This persistent pattern suggests that current safety measures may not be reaching the youngest members of the population effectively enough.
Severity of Injuries Among Minors
The consequences for young victims can be severe and life altering. Reports indicate that children often suffer from blast injuries, burns, and in some tragic cases, amputations. One particularly heart wrenching case involved a boy aged four years who lost four fingers due to a firework mishap. He is the youngest among 19 victims who sustained amputations of fingers or hands during this period.
Such incidents highlight the physical dangers inherent in handling powerful pyrotechnics. The DOH reiterated that injuries often occur during unsupervised use. The agency urges parents and guardians to keep children away from firecrackers and to opt for safer noise-making alternatives. The emotional and physical trauma experienced by these young victims serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved.
Regional Breakdown of Incidents
While the national trend is positive, the impact of firework-related injuries varies by region. Central Visayas recorded 40 cases as of the morning of December 31, 2025. Within the region, Cebu Province reported the highest number with 15 incidents, followed by Lapu-Lapu City with 11 cases. Bohol logged eight cases, while Cebu City and Mandaue City recorded five and one cases respectively.
Other regions also reported significant numbers, though many showed improvement compared to previous years. The Cordillera region documented 22 injuries, with 11 occurring on New Year’s Day alone. All victims in this region were male, predominantly due to illegal fireworks like kwitis and boga. Meanwhile, the Negros Island Region saw a dramatic 52.6 percent drop in cases, with only 69 incidents reported compared to 131 the previous year. Health officials in Negros attributed this success to strengthened campaigns against firecracker use.
Common Culprits and High Risk Behaviors
Identifying the specific types of fireworks responsible for injuries is crucial for prevention. The DOH identified unnamed or unidentified fireworks as the top cause of harm. This was followed by boga, a type of improvised cannon, and five star firecrackers. Other frequent offenders included kwitis, whistle bombs, and lantaka.
The World Health Organization has outlined specific behaviors that significantly increase the risk of injury. These scenarios include allowing children to handle firecrackers, attempting to re light fireworks that have failed to detonate, throwing fireworks, and carrying pyrotechnics in pockets or hands. Additionally, handling fireworks while under the influence of alcohol is a major contributing factor to accidents. The WHO recommends using community displays supervised by authorities rather than personal use, as mandated by Executive Order 28.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety Efforts
The Philippine National Police (PNP) played a significant role in maintaining order during the festivities. While the DOH tracked hospital admissions, the PNP monitored incidents on the ground. Their data showed 414 fireworks-related injuries nationwide, a figure that differs slightly from the DOH count due to different methodologies and reporting timelines. Despite the variance, both agencies agree on the general downward trend.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. described the celebration as generally peaceful. He noted that the deployment of over 67,000 police officers helped mitigate risks. In an interview, he stated, “It’s much quieter now.” This sentiment reflects the increased compliance with laws prohibiting indiscriminate firing and illegal firecrackers. The police arrested 29 individuals for violations and confiscated nearly 100,000 pieces of banned pyrotechnics.
Stray Bullets and Fire Incidents
While firework injuries decreased, other hazards persisted. The PNP reported incidents of stray bullets and fires. One person was injured by a stray bullet in Bulacan, and several arrests were made for indiscriminate firing. However, the number of such incidents remained relatively low compared to past years.
Fire incidents also saw a reduction. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 27 fires caused by firecrackers in 2025, down 30 percent from 39 in 2024. BFP spokesman Supt. Anthony Arroyo credited this decline to public awareness and the adoption of alternative celebration methods. This reduction in fire incidents further underscores the shifting public behavior toward safer holiday practices.
Medical Response and Ongoing Monitoring
Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of immediate medical attention for firework-related injuries. DOH spokesperson Albert Francis E. Domingo urged victims to seek hospital care regardless of the severity of the wound. The primary concern is tetanus, a potentially fatal bacterial infection that can affect muscles and nerves. Symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after the injury.
Domingo explained that late reports are expected to trickle in until January 5. “We hope the lower count will stay,” he said regarding the preliminary figures. The DOH maintains its advocacy for a safe and injury free celebration. They advise the public to wash wounds with clean, running water and proceed to health centers for tetanus shots immediately. The agency remains vigilant as the surveillance period continues.
Key Points
- The Department of Health recorded 235 firework-related injuries, a 42 percent decrease from 2025.
- Children aged 19 and below accounted for 69 percent of the total injury cases.
- Central Visayas reported 40 cases, while the Negros Island Region saw a 52.6 percent drop in incidents.
- Common causes of injury included unidentified fireworks, boga, and five star firecrackers.
- The Philippine National Police arrested 29 individuals and confiscated nearly 100,000 banned firecrackers.
- Health officials warn that even minor wounds require medical attention to prevent tetanus infection.
- Fires caused by firecrackers decreased by over 30 percent compared to the previous year.
- Surveillance for firework-related injuries will continue until January 5.
