MANILA, Philippines – The latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) show that there were 789 cases of New Year-related injuries this year, down 21% from the same period last year.

According to DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, of the 789 cases, 765 are firecracker-related injuries while 22 are victims of indiscriminate firing.

There were 2 cases of firecracker ingestion, and one case of tetanus infection.

The National Capital Region registered the highest number of victims of stray bullets with 8 cases, followed by Region 12 (mainly Cotabato) with 7 cases.

Most firecracker injuries come from the use of Piccolo with 212 cases or 28%, followed by undetermined fireworks. Kwitis injuries account for 14%, or 106 cases.

Twenty-seven percent of firecracker victims or 206 cases involve children below 10 years old.

A total of 386 were hit by thrown fireworks, 29 had to be amputated and 109 had eye injuries.

Tayag added that depending on the result of the final tally of the injuries for New Year, they will be meeting with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police and local officials of Metro Manila to discuss the possibility of recommending a total fireworks ban for Metro Manila.