South Cotabato, Philippines | January 5, 2026— What should have been moments of celebration turned into scenes of injury and emergency as the province recorded a sharp spike in firework-related injuries (FWRI) this holiday season.
As of 6:00 a.m., January 5, 2026, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer has documented 52 cases of firework-related injuries, marking a 47 percent increase compared to the combined reports from 2024–2025, according to Eldon Serame, Health Education Promotions Officer.
“We recorded victims as young as two years old and as old as 51, proving that fireworks-related injuries do not spare anyone, regardless of age,” Serame reported during the flag-raising ceremony.
Data reveal that most injuries occurred inside homes, with 33 recorded cases, highlighting the danger of firework use even within supposedly safe spaces. The majority of those injured were active users of fireworks, rather than bystanders.
Health authorities also noted that males aged 10–19 years accounted for the largest share of cases, making up 23 percent of the total, which points to risky behavior among young adolescents during celebrations.
Geographically, Koronadal City and the Municipality of Polomolok recorded the highest number of FWRI cases, placing these areas under closer health surveillance.
Among the most alarming incidents were one case that resulted in amputation and another that required facial surgery, stark reminders of how fireworks can cause life-altering injuries in a matter of seconds.
“These are not minor injuries—one case resulted in amputation, and another required facial surgery. These are life-changing consequences caused by a few seconds of unsafe behavior.”
Serame emphasized that the surge in cases is a serious public health concern, urging families and communities to reconsider unsafe firework practices and strictly adhere to safety guidelines.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to intensify its health education and prevention campaigns, reiterating that celebrations should never come at the cost of life, limb, or lifelong trauma.
As the numbers continue to climb, authorities once again appeal to the public: choose safer alternatives, supervise children at all times, and keep homes and communities free from preventable harm—because no celebration is worth a permanent injury.
“We continue to urge the public to choose safer alternatives and protect children, because no celebration is worth a lost hand, a damaged face, or a life,” Serame added.
