UNLABELED firecrackers have emerged as the leading cause of firework-related injuries (FWRI) in the Ilocos Region as the New Year approaches, according to data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 1.

The DOH reported that as of December 28, a total of 47 firework-related injuries had been recorded in the region. While this figure is slightly lower than last year’s tally of 51 cases during the same period, health officials noted that the number of injuries continues to rise in the days leading up to New Year’s celebrations.

Aside from unlabeled firecrackers, “five-star” and “pla-pla” fireworks were also identified as among the most injurious types commonly involved in reported cases.

Data further showed that an estimated 80.9 percent of firework injury victims in the region are male, with most cases involving children aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years old.

Health and safety authorities renewed their call for parents and guardians to closely supervise their children and to prevent them from using prohibited fireworks, warning that unsafe and unregulated firecrackers pose serious risks of injury.

The DOH continues to monitor FWRI cases across the region and urges the public to celebrate the New Year safely and responsibly. (Ahikam Pasion)