Negros Occidental had the highest number of persons injured by fireworks in Western Visayas during the holidays, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.
There were 294 fireworks-related injuries in Western Visayas from December 21 to January 6, and Negros Occidental accounted for 103, the DOH said.
The report said Iloilo province had 97 cases, Aklan – 33, Antique – 19, Capiz -19, Iloilo City – 11, Bacolod City – 9 and Guimaras – 3.
Out of the 294 cases reported, blast burns were cited as the major cause of injuries, followed by eye injuries. There were 13 recorded amputations, two of which were from Negros Occidental.
The fireworks-related injuries in Negros Occidental also increased from 72 in 2022 to 103, Dr. Girlie Pinongan, Provincial Health Officer, said.
Despite advisories against the use of firecrackers many were hard headed and did not listen, she said.
Those injured belonged to the 10 to 21-year-old age bracket, she said.
Western Visayas was the fifth among the 17 regions in the country with the most number of fireworks-related injuries.*