The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD), through the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, has recorded a total of 72 cases of firework-related injuries (FWRI) in the Bicol region from December 21, 2025 to January 5, 2026. This is an 18% increase compared to the previous year’s recorded FWRI total cases of 61.
The distribution of cases by province and city is listed as follows: Albay – 23, Camarines Sur – 17, Camarines Norte – 10, Catanduanes – 6, Masbate – 1, Sorsogon – 3, Naga City – 9, Legazpi City – 3.
From December 21, 2025 to January 5, 2026, the DOH Bicol CHD highlights kwitis as the number one cause of FWRI with 32 reported cases, followed by five-star (11 cases), whistle bomb (5 cases), and boga (5 cases). Types of injury caused by these firecrackers consist of lacerations, burns, and blast injuries, mostly affecting the hands, face, and eyes.
The most affected age group are children ages 7-12 years old (22% of the total FWRI cases), while 82% of the FWRI cases were males.
The FWRI cases were brought into the national and regional/local sentinel sites and were provided with the appropriate medical treatment.
Despite the end of the surveillance period, the DOH Bicol CHD reminds the public to remain vigilant of any event involving firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices that may still cause injury. The public is advised to practice the proper disposal of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to avoid any untoward incident. Individuals are advised to refrain from picking up any kind of firecrackers scattered on the streets.
Source: DOH Bicol CHD