The number of firecracker-related injuries soared to 107, the Department of Health said on Saturday, hours before the country welcomes the New Year tonight.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said he was unhappy with the increase in the number of injuries, 97 percent of which occurred in residences.
“We have breached the 100 mark for injuries. Majority of the victims are young boys who are passive onlookers,” he said.
The Department of Health earlier raised the “code white” alert in the country’s health-care system and will remain in effect until Jan. 4.
“Under orders of President Marcos, the DOH and all hospitals and health facilities will be ready for all untoward incidents this Christmas and New Year season,” the DOH said on Friday.
Under code white, medical procedures, such as X-ray and laboratory testing, shall be “made available without requirement for out-of-pocket by victims.”
DOH data showed Metro Manila logged the most number of firecracker-related injuries with 41 cases, followed by Central Luzon, Ilocos, SOCCSKSARGEN, Cagayan, Bicol, and Calabarzon.
The number of cases in Metro Manila increased by more than 10 times, said DOH-National Capital Region director Dr. Aleli Sudiacal.
A 72-year-old man also sustained burns and abrasions due to kwitis (skyrocket) in Metro Manila, making him the oldest case this year.
There was also a new amputation case involving a 19-year-old male from Cagayan Valley, whose left hand was mangled by the illegal “Pla-Pla,” a powerful rectangular-shaped firecracker.
Herbosa also cautioned the public against drunk driving.
“If you have plans of getting drunk, please don’t drive or ride a motorcycle. You can get yourself or other people hurt or killed,” the DOH chief added.