GOVERNMENT agencies have reported at least five fatalities from firecracker-related incidents.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported one firecracker-related death, while fire safety officials said the number of fatalities has reached five.
In a post on its Facebook page, the department said there were a total of 125 cases of firecracker-related injuries from Dec. 22 to 6 a.m. of Dec. 28, 2024.
The DOH said one senior citizen died "because of multiple injuries from a Judas belt that had exploded and a combination of other illnesses."
"Do not use firecrackers and keep away from those using these," the DOH said in Filipino.
It also told the public to "immediately go to the nearest health center or call 911 or 1555" in case of firecracker-related injuries.
The DOH, which cited the 62 sentinel sites it was monitoring as the source of the data, said 24 of the 125 were new cases on Saturday.
It reported that 102 of the 125 people were 19 years old and below while 23 were 20 years old and above.
It also reported that 114 were male and 11 were female.
The DOH said 91 or 73 percent of cases were caused by illegal firecrackers like boga, 5-star, and piccolo.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), on the other hand, said as of Dec. 20, 2024, it has recorded 32 pyrotechnic-related incidents, resulting in 24 injured civilians and five fatalities.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) to rigorously enforce rules and regulations on firecrackers and pyrotechnics to minimize firecracker-related injuries.
In a memorandum, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized the need for LGUs to issue ordinances and implement regulations that discourage individuals and households from using firecrackers. This initiative aligns with Executive Order 28, series of 2017, which limits the use of firecrackers to designated community fireworks displays.
"Local governments play a critical role in ensuring the safety of their constituents. By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with firecrackers and promote safer celebrations," Remulla said.
The memorandum also urged LGUs to restrict firecracker use strictly to community fireworks displays that have secured the necessary permits. Additionally, LGUs are encouraged to conduct information campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of illegal and prohibited fireworks.
The BFP was instructed to oversee fire exhibition zones, ensuring compliance with Republic Act (RA) 9514, also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been tasked with conducting inspections, confiscations, and the destruction of illegal fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.
To further ensure public safety, the DILG discouraged citizens from buying or using illegal or hazardous fireworks. Instead, the public is encouraged to use alternative noise-making items such as horns, recycled containers, pans, and other common household items.
In addition to firecracker-related safety measures, the DILG also reminded LGUs to enforce RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in public spaces during the festive season.