The festive celebrations in Central Luzon were marred by injuries as 22 individuals were hurt due to fireworks during the recent holiday season, according to regional authorities.
Regional Breakdown of Fireworks Injuries
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) provided a detailed provincial breakdown of the victims. Nueva Ecija reported the highest number of fireworks-related injury (FWRI) cases with 10 victims. Pampanga followed with eight injuries, while Bulacan recorded two. The provinces of Bataan and Tarlac each reported one case.
Dangerous Firecrackers and Victim Profiles
The report identified the specific types of fireworks that caused harm. The so-called "five-star" firecracker was the most dangerous, injuring eight people. The "boga" (a PVC cannon) caused six injuries, and the whistle bomb hurt two individuals.
Other fireworks that led to injuries included:
- Kwitis
- Pla-pla
- Fountain
- Bawang
- Unlabeled and unknown firecrackers
The Department of Health (DOH) in Region III reported that the victims ranged in age from two to 31 years old. The injuries affected various body parts, including the eye, hand, head, chest, and stomach.
Significant Drop in Cases Compared to Last Year
Despite the incidents, the agency highlighted a positive trend. The total of 22 cases from December 21, 2025, to January 1, 2026, represents a 55% decrease compared to the same period last year, when 49 fireworks-related injuries were recorded in Central Luzon.
This substantial reduction suggests that public information campaigns and stricter enforcement regarding the use of illegal fireworks may be having a positive effect on community safety during the holidays.
