FIRECRACKER-related injuries declined during the 2026 New Year celebrations, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH reported 235 firework-related injuries recorded from December 21, 2025 until 4 a.m. of January 1, 2026. An additional 62 cases were logged on New Year’s Day.

The total is 42 percent lower than the 403 injuries reported during the same period last year, signaling a significant improvement in holiday safety.

Health officials said they hope the downward trend continues as monitoring runs until January 5.

Despite the lower numbers, the DOH urged those with firecracker-related injuries—no matter how minor—to seek medical care to prevent tetanus. “Symptoms do not appear until around 8 days, some up to 21 days later, and they can be deadly,” the DOH said.

At East Avenue Medical Center, nine firecracker injuries were recorded from midnight through Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, air quality worsened after New Year celebrations. Data from Breathe Metro Manila showed air levels in Metro Manila reached “very unhealthy” levels, prompting advisories for people with respiratory conditions and other vulnerable groups to stay indoors or wear masks.