Mt. Province records zero fireworks injuries; Kalinga logs highest number in Cordillera

Baguio City, Philippines – Residents of Mountain Province kept the holiday celebrations safe with injury-free nights of fireworks, while the province of Kalinga recorded the highest number of firecracker-related injuries in the Cordillera region.

Firework-related injuries in the region reached 46 cases during the monitoring period from December 21 to January 6, according to the latest holiday summary report of the Department of Health–Cordillera (DOH-Cordillera).

The regional health department noted that Kalinga logged the highest number of firework-related injuries with 18 cases, followed by Apayao (11), Abra (7), Baguio City (4), Benguet (3), and Ifugao (3).

The tally is 6.12 percent lower than the 49 cases reported during the same period at the start of 2025. However, Kalinga, which recorded only 10 cases last year, posted an 80-percent increase this year.

Data also showed that males accounted for the majority of the cases, with 42 reported injuries during the monitoring period.

Based on the breakdown, the top causes of injuries were kwitis, followed by boga and unknown firecrackers, in cases where patients could no longer recall the device involved. Other causes included whistle bombs, five-star firecrackers, pla-pla, dynamite, lusis, bawang, and Judas belt.

Mt. Province police: Safe Yuletide celebrations credited to OPLAN Bandillo

In an earlier statement, the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office (MPPO) attributed the injury-free holiday celebration in the province to the sustained implementation of OPLAN Bandillo, intensified information campaigns, the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, radio guesting, and continuous public reminders discouraging the use of firecrackers to prevent injuries, accidents, and property damage.

The MPPO added that the positive outcome was made possible through close coordination and collaboration among concerned government agencies, community leaders, parents, and residents who actively supported public safety initiatives.

Through responsible community participation, residents were able to enjoy the holiday revelries safely and peacefully.