By Mariela Angella Oladive
Firework-related injuries in Iloilo dropped by 64% in 2024, with 35 cases reported from December 21, 2024, to January 2, 2025. This marked a significant decline from the 97 cases recorded during the same period in 2023.
Miagao reported the highest number of cases at six, followed by Passi City with five. Ajuy, Dumangas, and Oton each recorded three cases.
Other municipalities, including Cabatuan, San Enrique, and Santa Barbara, reported two cases each. Single cases were noted in Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, Lambunao, San Joaquin, San Miguel, and Sara.
Most victims were male, with children aged 1 to 10 years old accounting for 48.5% (17 cases) of the injuries. This age group experienced the highest number of cases. The youngest victim was a 5-year-old boy, while the oldest was a 49-year-old man.
Injury distribution by age group included:
- 11 to 20 years old: 10 cases
- 21 to 30 years old: 4 cases
- 31 to 40 years old: 1 case
- Above 41 years old: 3 cases (2 male, 1 female)
Eye injuries were the most common, comprising 57% (20 cases) of the total. Blast or burn injuries without amputation accounted for 37% (13 cases). Two cases (6%) involved blast or burn injuries with amputation.
The amputations included the traumatic loss of a right index finger in Cabatuan and the second digit of the right foot in San Enrique.
The boga (an improvised cannon) was the leading cause of injuries, responsible for 48% (17 cases). Other fireworks involved were:
- Bamboo cannon: 9% (3 cases)
- Triangle: 14% (5 cases)
- Camara: 14% (5 cases)
- Piccolo: 3% (1 case)
- Kwitis: 3% (1 case)
- Sparkler: 3% (1 case)
- Other unlabeled firecrackers: 6% (2 cases)
Additionally, two stray bullet incidents were reported in Pavia and Alimodian. Fortunately, no injuries occurred in these cases.
The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development compiled the data from sentinel and non-sentinel hospitals. The figures are subject to updates as delayed reports and further case verifications are received.
