By CESAR JOLITO III

The number of fireworks-related injuries in Negros Occidental rose by 8.41 percent during the recent holiday season, with health authorities recording 116 cases from December 21, 2025 to January 6, 2026, surpassing last year’s figures despite intensified police enforcement against illegal firecrackers.

According to the Provincial Health Office’s (PHO) fireworks-related injury surveillance update, the total reflects nine more cases compared to the 107 injuries reported during the same period in 2024.

PHO chief Dr. Girlie Pinongan said Bago City recorded the highest number of cases with 27, followed by Silay City and Himamaylan City with nine cases each.

E.B. Magalona and Kabankalan City reported eight cases each, while Hinigaran and Talisay City logged six cases apiece.

Murcia recorded five cases, and La Carlota City and Binalbagan posted four cases each.

PHO data showed that patients ranged from one to 75 years old, with a median age of 14.

The 11- to 20-year-old age group recorded the highest number of injuries with 37 cases, accounting for 32 percent of the total.

Of the 116 cases, 67 involved active participation in lighting firecrackers, while 49 were passive injuries.

The most common firecracker involved was the “triangle” or triangulo, linked to 22 cases or 19 percent.

Most injuries were classified as blast and burn injuries without amputation, totaling 83 cases or 72 percent.

However, three severe burn cases resulted in amputations, while several others involved eye injuries, health officials said.

Alcohol intoxication was noted in 26 cases, or 22 percent of the total.

Despite the increase in injuries, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office reported the confiscation of 16,002 illegal firecrackers worth approximately P305,000 through intensified inspections and strategic checkpoints.

Police said many injuries were caused by improvised or modified firecrackers.

All seized illegal firecrackers were destroyed to prevent further harm./CJ, WDJ