Fireworks spectacles sponsored by local government units and commercial establishments have become more common during New Year’s eve in different parts of the Philippines as the government campaigns to minimize fireworks-related injuries (FRIs). The Department of Health (DoH) reported on Jan. 1 that the number of FRIs dropped 68% during the period Dec. 21, 2018 to 6 a.m. of Jan 1, 2019 at 139 cases compared with the same period the previous year. “It’s markedly lower than last year. Thankfully,” DoH Secretary Francisco T. Duque said in a televised press conference. No casualty was reported while stray bullet incidents are still being investigated by the police. — Gillian M. Cortez
