THE Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos Region said a total of seven firework-related incidents (FWRI) since the start of the holiday season.

According to DOH, five of the seven victims were from the province of Pangasinan, and two were from La Union.

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit disclosed three of the seven cases were recorded on December 22, another three were reported on the 23rd, and one case on the 25th.

Five of the incidents occurred at home, while the other two occurred outside of the residence.

Five were injured by blast/burn with one amputation, and two individuals sustained eye injuries. Four of the cases were active, and three were passive.

DOH said, “Boga,” or improvised cannon is the cause of five injuries while skyrocket (kwitis) had two casualties.

There were six males and one female involved. Age ranged from four to 33 years old. Four cases were actively involved, while three were passive.

According to the DOH 1 Operation Center Monitoring Report, from December 22-26, 2022, five of the fatalities were treated by DOH sentinel hospitals as outpatient cases, and one was admitted.

Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco reminded the public to stay away from any kind of fireworks. “Kahit ano pa mang uri ito ng papuyok, iwasan napo nating gumamit o magsindi nito dahil lahat ng ito ay may panganib na dala.”

“Mangyaring gumamit na lamang ng alternatibong bagay na makakapagbigay ng malakas na ingay upang maging ligtas sa pagsalubong sa bagong taon.”

Sydiongco also advised the public to seek immediate medical treatment if injured or wounded by a firework.

All health emergency management teams and health management service personnel are ready to provide emergency service, including public health unit staff.

“We are continuously monitoring firework-related injuries/events in the region in observance of the holiday season, together with other concerned agencies,” Sydiongco assured.