DOH: Firecracker injuries now at 173, may hit 1K by January 1

With 173 people having been hurt in "firecracker-related" incidents since last week, the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned the figures could reach 1,000 during New Year's Day revelry.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the DOH has so far recorded 173 firecracker-related injuries since the agency started with its "Oplan Iwas Paputok" campaign on December 21.

He said 83 people or almost half of the victims (48 percent) were injured by “piccolo" firecracker. Fifteen people were hurt by a "kwitis," 15 by a "whistle bomb," 15 by "boga," and seven by a "trianggulo."

Of the victims, six were hit by stray bullets while five ingested "watusi."

Ona said this year's figures are lower than the ones in the same period last year. However, the Health secretary stressed that injuries were still highest among children (43 percent), particularly 15 years old or younger.

In Quezon City, 12 firecracker-related injuries were recorded. The city had set up 142 "firecracker zones" or designated areas where firecrackers could be exploded.

"I think it's very important for the families during this period [to be safe]. Kasi instead na masaya ay papasukan lang ng isang aksidente na makakaapekto hindi lang sa kanilang anak o kaibigan kundi sa kanilang buong pamilya," Ona said.

While the DOH is encouraging people to welcome the New Year not with firecrackers but with other noise-making devices, Ona still warned revelers to take extra precaution when using horns.

In the same press conference, Ona revealed that at least two children were hospitalized in Manila after accidentally swallowing the horn's whistle. He did not elaborate on the current condition of the kids.

By the rate of the recorded fireworks casualties from December 21 to December 27, Ona predicted that the figures could reach 900 to 1,000 by New Year’s Day.

In 2009, the DOH recorded 870 firecracker-related injuries, 35 stray bullet-injuries, and two watusi ingestions.

Meanwhile, Don't use firecrackers during the holidays if you don't want to spend New Year festivities in the hospital.

Meanwhile, Malacañang seconded the DOH warning by emphasizing that firecracker use during the New Year festivities may land people in the hospital.

"Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag na po tayo magpapaputok kasi mahirap naman po na bagong taon sa ospital tayo papasok," said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in an interview with Palace reporters on Tuesday.

(To our countrymen, please stop using firecrackers because it's difficult to spend the new year in the hospital.)

Valte urged parents to closely watch their children during the festivities to keep them away from harmful firecrackers.

This year, the government has been encouraging revelers to do away with firecrackers being exploded on the ground. Instead, the Philippine National Police said "aerial fireworks" would be safer and better. [See related article: Cops pushing for alternative to firecrackers...]

The firecrackers the PNP banned in 2007 and still prohibited are: Lolo Thunder; Super Lolo; Bawang (large); Pla-pla; Watusi; Kwiton; Giant Whistle; Judas Belt (large); Og; and Atomic Bomb. — With Jam L. Sisante/LBG/JV, GMANews.TV