Manila, Dec. 30 -- The Department of Health in Ilocos Region (DOH-1) renewed its call against the use of firecrackers after recording 56 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) from Dec. 21 to 29.

The number of cases fell 5 percent compared to the 59 cases recorded during the same period last year, and was primary traced to the use of unlabelled firecrackers, 5-Star, and pla-pla, Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit's data showed.

Most of the victims are aged between five to nine years and 10-14 years, and around 82 percent are male.

"No celebration is worth risking a life. We encourage families and communities to choose safer alternatives such as organized fireworks displays or simple noise-makers," DOH-1 director Paula Paz Sydiongco...