The holiday season in Central Visayas saw a worrying trend on the roads, with traffic accidents emerging as the primary cause of injuries, according to the latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7. The report, covering the period from December 21, 2025, to January 1, 2026, reveals a significant number of road crash victims, overshadowing a noted decrease in fireworks-related incidents.
Road Crashes Dominate Holiday Injury Statistics
During the monitored holiday period, road crashes resulted in a total of 274 injuries. A detailed breakdown provided by the DOH 7 shows that drivers bore the brunt of these accidents, accounting for 169 of the victims. Passengers followed with 85 injuries, while 20 pedestrians were also harmed in traffic-related incidents. This data highlights the persistent dangers on Central Visayas roads during times of increased travel and celebration.
Notable Decline in Fireworks-Related Injuries
In a more positive development, the number of people hurt by fireworks showed a decline compared to the previous year. Health authorities recorded 73 fireworks-related injury cases this season, which is lower than the 79 cases reported during the same timeframe last year. The regional distribution of these 73 cases is as follows:
- 27 cases from the Province of Cebu
- 20 cases from Cebu City
- 16 cases from Lapu-Lapu City
- 1 case from Mandaue City
- 9 cases from the Province of Bohol
Absence of Stray Bullet and Ingestion Cases
The DOH 7 report also carried a crucial piece of reassuring news. Authorities confirmed that there were zero recorded cases involving individuals who were hit by stray bullets or who accidentally ingested firecrackers ("kwitis") throughout the entire reporting period from December 21 to January 1. This marks a significant achievement in public safety campaigns against the reckless use of firearms and fireworks during celebrations.
The comparative data underscores a shifting landscape of holiday risks in the region. While concerted efforts and public advisories appear to have made headway in reducing fireworks-related harm, the spike in road crash injuries presents a clear and urgent challenge for transportation and safety officials. The figures call for a reinforced focus on road safety measures, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws, public awareness campaigns on responsible driving, and improved road infrastructure to prevent similar surges in future holiday seasons.
