MANILA, Philippines - The number of people who were injured by firecrackers jumped to 351, the Department of Health said on Thursday.
In a televised press conference this noon, acting Health Secretary Janet Garin said there were 346 firecracker injuries, three stray bullet cases, and two cases of firecracker ingestion recorded from December 21 to 31.
Most of the injuries were from the National Capital Region, particularly Manila, 52; Pasig, 23; Quezon City, 21; Caloocan, 12; and Navotas, 12.
Piccolo remains to be the lead cause of the injuries (48 percent) followed by kwitis or baby rocket (10 percent).
Garin said so far, the total number of firecracker injuries is 39 percent lower than the 578 injuries recorded in the same period in 2013 and the average of 511 injuries each year since 2009.
The number of amputations, however, increased by 75 percent or from eight to 14.
Despite a ban by authorities on certain firecrackers due to injuries and death, many Filipinos still welcome the New Year with fireworks in the belief that it will drive away evil spirits and bring in good luck. -With AP