Manila, Jan. 2 -- The Department of Health (DOH) in the Cordillera region reported 22 fireworks-related injuries during the holiday season, with 11 cases occurring on New Year's Day alone, officials said Friday.

DOH-Cordillera chief Dr. Amelita Pangilinan said the single-day tally doubled the region's cumulative cases since monitoring began on Dec. 21.

The victims were all male, with 17 linked to illegal fireworks, such as "kwitis," "boga," and "dynamite."

Injuries mostly affected the hands and eyes, with the highest number in Apayao (8), followed by Kalinga (7), Baguio City (4), and Abra (3).

Baguio City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes urged spectators to take protective measures.

"It would be better if no one set off firew...