A 78-year-old man from Central Luzon passed away after lighting a Judas belt firecracker, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday.
“78-year-old male po si Lolo na pasyente, active involvement po – nagsindi ng Judas belt. Naospital noong December 22, binawian ng buhay December 27. Taga Central Luzon po,” DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Domingo said.
(Lolo was a 78-year-old male patient who actively participated by lighting the Judas belt. He was hospitalized on December 22 and succumbed on December 27. He was from Central Luzon.)
As of December 28, 2024, the DOH has recorded a total of 125 fireworks-related injuries, with 24 new cases reported on Saturday alone.
This year’s number of injuries is 29% higher compared to the 97 cases recorded on December 28, 2023.
Domingo highlighted that most injuries occurred in the following regions:
- Metro Manila
- Central Luzon
- Cagayan Valley
- Western Visayas
- Ilocos
- Central Visayas
Out of the 125 victims, 102 were 19 years old and younger. Additionally, 114 were male, and 11 were female.
The DOH continues to monitor fireworks-related injuries and actively urges the public to avoid using fireworks as New Year’s celebrations approach.
“Kahit legal ang fireworks, delikado pa rin. Bomba pa rin yan. Sumasabog. Nakamamatay. Iwas paputok na po tayo para sa ating buhay,” Domingo noted.
(Even though fireworks may be legal, they remain dangerous. They’re explosive and can be fatal. Let’s avoid fireworks for our safety.)
The department has called on the public to find safer ways to celebrate the holidays to prevent similar tragedies. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
