There were warnings made by health officials that firecrackers can be a cause for injuries on New Years and safe ways to celebrate the coming year should be resorted to. But despite warnings, firecrackers injured about 800 people.

There were about 794 cases of firecracker injuries while celebrating the New Year, Department of Health, DOH, figures stated. The number of cases was however lesser as compared to the number of cases that happened last year.

The maximum number of cases was reported by the NCR where there were about 749 cases out of the 17 regions.

The department added that due to ingesting piccolo powder last month, a woman was the lone casualty.

For illegal possession of firecrackers and their sale, the Philippine National Police, PNP, 52 people got arrested. The value of these crackers was about P2 million.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona had predicted in December last year that there will be cases of firecracker injuries and the cases could go upto 900 or 1,000.

The number of cases of firecracker injuries had created a gloom affair at the Palace, according to a Malacañang official.