By Eva C. Visperas

 

THERE was a time when, every New Year, we would hop from one hospital to another to gather data on firecracker-related injuries for our news reports.

We consistently did this for over 10 years. Media practitioners like me would often bump into each other in hospitals as we diligently tallied the number of injured patients. We saw wounds, heard cries of pain, and witnessed the tragic loss of lives as we ushered in each New Year.

Sometimes, our families would beg us to stay home — after all, it was the New Year celebration. But we had our work to do, and it was part of being a journalist. Oh well, that was when we were still young reporters.

Things have changed as we’ve gotten older, but we still gather the data through the connections we’ve established over the years. No bragging here, but it’s thanks to the friendships we’ve fostered with our news sources, who are always willing to accommodate our requests for information.

New Year’s Eve was always spent enduring the loud sounds of firecrackers and pyrotechnics from neighbors. While some might consider them an essential part of the celebration, beneath the crackling spectacle lies an undeniable reality: firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices cause countless injuries, amputations, and even deaths each year.

In Pangasinan alone, 101 people were injured from December 21 onward through to the 2025 New Year celebrations due to firecrackers. These injuries ranged from minor burns to devastating blasts that resulted in amputations.

Three individuals lost fingers or hands, and 25 people suffered eye injuries — trauma that could lead to permanent blindness. Tragically, these injuries are not just physical; they also leave emotional and financial scars for the victims and their families.

The most common culprits were kwitis (sky rockets) and boga (pneumatic cannons), with the latter being particularly notorious for causing serious injuries. Among the injured, the majority were active participants — those who personally lit the fireworks. However, passive victims —often innocent bystanders — remind us that firecrackers don’t just harm those who choose to light them; they can affect entire communities.

In Pangasinan, 42 of the 101 injured were passive victims.

As we reflect on these numbers, one question consistently comes to mind: How many more fingers, hands, arms, and eyes must be lost before we act? How many more families must bear the heartbreaking consequences of a celebratory tradition gone wrong?

Just this year, certain towns in Pangasinan — Agno, Burgos, Dasol, Infanta, Laoac, San Manuel, Sison, Balungao, Rosales, San Nicolas, and San Quintin — reported zero firework-related injuries. These towns prove that it is possible to celebrate the New Year safely, without the need for firecrackers.

I attended an event at Camp Antonio Sison in Lingayen on December 30 for the destruction of confiscated illegal firecrackers, mufflers, and boga. It was the PNP’s way — under the stewardship of Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, our provincial director — to show they are not remiss in their job.

After the event, we joined PD Rollyfer on his rounds to inspect areas selling firecrackers. Even on December 31, there were Facebook livestreams showing PD Rollyfer in action — not just cracking down on illegal firecrackers but also managing traffic flow in major thoroughfares.

I personally saw his dedication, but as we often say, it takes a community to solve and stop these persistent concerns.

Meron at meron pa ring nakakalusot, at marami pa rin talaga ang matitigas ang ulo!

Perhaps the imposition of a firecracker ban is a good start. But the big question is: When?

I’ve also come across many appeals on social media from pet lovers advocating for the protection of their furry companions.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 534 firework-related injuries nationwide during the 2025 New Year celebrations, with 322 victims aged 19 and under. The trend of involving children in risky behavior must end, and a nationwide crackdown on firecracker use is crucial.

The case for banning firecrackers is stronger than ever. The solution is clear: If we truly care about saving lives, protecting our pets, and ensuring the safety of our communities, we must put an end to firecracker usage.

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