Authorities in Cebu City are taking proactive steps to ensure a safer holiday season as the Department of Health (DOH) reports a significant nationwide drop in fireworks-related incidents. The latest data shows a promising decline, though vigilance remains critical.
Cebu Police Proactive on Firecracker Safety
In Cebu City, Police Chief Colonel George Ylanan led a safety inspection at the designated firecracker display area at the South Road Properties. The inspection, conducted on Friday, December 19, 2025, aimed to verify vendor compliance with safety protocols and confirm that all sellers possessed the proper permits for fireworks and pyrotechnics.
This hands-on approach by local law enforcement underscores the concerted effort to prevent accidents before they happen by ensuring regulated sales occur in controlled environments.
DOH Reports Sharp Decline in Fireworks Injuries
The Department of Health provided encouraging news in its advisory on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The agency reported only seven fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) across various regions from the monitoring period starting December 21 up to 4 a.m. on December 23.
This figure represents a dramatic 75 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, when 28 such injuries were recorded. The data was collected from 62 sentinel hospitals nationwide.
Illegal Fireworks and Youth Remain Primary Concerns
Despite the positive trend, the nature of the cases highlights ongoing dangers. The DOH stated that most injuries were caused by illegal fireworks, specifically identifying boga and five-star as common culprits.
A concerning demographic trend persists: 57 percent of the cases involved individuals aged 19 years and below. The remaining 43 percent of victims were 20 years old and above. This data reinforces the need for continued public education, particularly among young people and their guardians.
The DOH reiterated its crucial safety reminder for the public. In the event of any firecracker-related accident, victims should be immediately brought to the nearest hospital for proper medical treatment. For emergency medical assistance, the public is advised to call the National Emergency Hotline 911.
