(File photo) MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded the public to refrain from using prohibited and illegal firecrackers to prevent injuries. This, after the Firework-Related Injuries Surveillance Report showed that as of December 29, injuries related to fireworks increased by 108 percent with 25 reported cases from December 21 to 29 compared to only 12 reported cases for the same period in 2020. More than 36 percent of the cases were from Region 6 (Western Visayas), followed by Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and National Capital Region (NCR) with 12 percent each. In a news release, the DOH said most of the injuries were among minors aged 9 to 16 years old while more than half of the cases were blast/burn injuries not requiring amputation. However, about 28 percent or seven cases required amputation. Prohibited firecrackers, such as Boga, 5-star, and Piccolo, accounted for the top causes of injuries, it added. The DOH advised the public to put safety first and use alternatives to fireworks such as noise and light-producing devices like sound systems, bells, pans, or tambourines to prevent debilitating and life-threatening injuries. "The public may also opt to participate in community fireworks displays following minimum health protocols to prevent possible super spreader events for Covid-19," it said. The DOH issued Department Circular No. 2021-0580 to guide the health facilities, local government units (LGUs), and other national government agencies to ensure the health and safety of the Filipinos during the holiday season. It has declared Code White Alert among its hospitals since Dec. 20, 2021, to ensure readiness to respond to any emergency situation. The LGUs are likewise encouraged to intensify the campaign on "Iwas Paputok" and enforcement of Executive Order No. 28 series of 2017 "Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices." To learn more about tips in preventing fireworks-related injuries, first-aid, and other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on health and safety during the holiday season, please visit https://bit.ly/LigtasChristmas2021FAQs or the Healthy Pilipinas website at www.healthypilipinas.ph. (PR) }