• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Bago City recorded the highest number of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) in Negros Occidental during the period of December 21, 2025, to January 6, 2026, revealing an 8.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Based on data released by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), a total of 116 FWRI cases were documented, with Bago City accounting for 27 injuries. Most victims were minors, underscoring the vulnerability of young people to fireworks-related accidents.
Silay City, which reported the highest number of cases in 2024, now ranks second with nine injuries, which is the same figure logged by Himamaylan.
Other towns reporting multiple cases include EB Magalona and Kabankalan, each with eight injuries; Hinigaran and Talisay, with six each; Murcia, with five; and La Carlota and Binalbagan, each recording four incidents.
PHO Head Dr. Girlie Pinongan highlighted that the majority of victims were between 11 and 20 years old, emphasizing the peril faced by youth during the festivities.
Despite intensified public safety campaigns and stricter law enforcement measures, the data indicates a rise in fireworks-related injuries of 8.41 percent, or nine additional cases compared to the 107 incidents recorded during the same period in 2024.
Pinongan reported that three of the cases resulted in amputations. The majority of injuries were classified as blast and burn wounds, with several patients sustaining eye injuries.
PHO data also revealed that 26 victims, or 22 percent of the total, involved alcohol intoxication at the time of the incident.
In conjunction with these efforts, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) recently disposed of 16,002 illegal firecrackers valued at approximately P305,000.
The seizures were part of intensified anti-illegal firecracker operations, including targeted inspections and strategic checkpoints across the province, aimed at preventing injuries, fires, and other related hazards.*
