THE number of firecracker-related injuries in Western Visayas Region decreased this year, figures of Department of Health (DOH) showed.
However, Negros Occidental province, including Bacolod City, still posted the highest cases under, with 37.
Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia, regional coordinator of DOH-6 Violence and Injury Prevention Program, said a total of 105 cases were reported in Panay and Negros Occidental from December 21 to January 2.
The figure is lower by 45 cases compared to those reported in the same period last year.
Sta. Lucia said the decrease can be attributed to the aggressive campaign of the DOH and the Philippine National Police against the use of firecrackers.
“We had it surveyed and only a few used firecrackers compared to last year,” she said.
Of the 105 cases, 37 was reported in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City; 22 in Capiz; 18 in Iloilo City; 17 in Iloilo Province; and 11 in Aklan.
Sta. Lucia said that most of the patients were aged six to 10 years old.
Of the number, 97 of them are males, she added.
Most of the blast injuries were caused by illegal firecrackers piccolo and “buga.”
Sta. Lucia said that 12 patients were admitted to hospitals while the others were treated as outpatient.
She added that two patients – one each from Bago City, Negros Occidental and Pontevedra, Cadiz, had their fingers amputated due to the blast while 23 suffered eye injuries.
The DOH will monitor cases until January 5.