Two firecracker-related injuries were reported in Bohol province following New Year celebrations, local health officials said Wednesday, revising earlier statements of zero casualties.
The most serious case involved Philip Nicolai Cabrillos, 34, who sustained an eye injury during New Year’s Eve festivities in Cortes town.
According to hospital sources, Cabrillos sought treatment at the Gov. CelestinoGallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City several hours after the incident, where his condition was described as stable.
Witnesses reported that Cabrillos’s son accidentally struck his father’s eye with a firecracker during celebrations.
A second injury was recorded at TeodoroGalagar Hospital in Jagna, confirmed Provincial Health Office Officer-in-Charge Dr.FrusermaUy.
She noted that most emergency cases treated at district hospitals were alcohol-related traffic accidents, with at least 10 such incidents reported.
Meanwhile, city workers faced a massive clean-up operation on New Year’s Day, with accumulation of firecracker debris around the City Square Mall and downtown areas.
Street sweepers reported extensive littering throughout Tagbilaran’s streets from the traditional celebrations, which Filipinos believe ward off evil spirits.
The use of firecrackers remains a deeply entrenched New Year tradition in the Philippines, despite annual reports of injuries and environmental concerns.