Fernan Carigma

Improvised cannons known as "boga" emerged as the leading cause of firecracker-related injuries during the New Year celebrations in 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on January 2.

Photo Courtesy of PNA.

Most incidents occurred in urban areas across the Philippines, where the misuse of these banned devices remains prevalent.

From December 22, 2024, to January 1, 2025, 340 firecracker-related injuries were reported, a 34% drop from 519 cases the previous year. Despite this decline, fatalities and severe injuries were still recorded.

Four individuals lost their lives, and 141 others required hospitalization for burns, amputations, and other firecracker-related injuries.

DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo expressed concern about new banned variants of boga, a firecracker, which pose greater risks to both users and bystanders.

“Ang challenge natin diyan…marami kasing mga bata, and consistent sa epidemiology, maraming bata ang nakakakita ng mga "Do It Yourself" na mga videos online. So, ang dami nang mga iba-ibang version ng boga,” said Domingo in an Unang Balita interview on January 2.

Bogas are traditionally crafted from PVC pipes and fueled by denatured alcohol. However, Domingo said that newer versions use hazardous materials like cans and gasoline.

“Dati ‘pag sinabing boga, ang iniisip ‘yung PVC pipe pero… iba-iba [na ngayon], may mga lata, may mga bote, na mas lalong delikado kasi ‘pag ‘yung materyales iba-iba at hindi standard, eh talagang sasabog talaga ‘yan,” he added.

In December, the Philippine National Police (PNP) began a search operation to locate those responsible for the tutorial video on how to create the banned boga that went viral online.

“Doon sa mga nag po-post ng paggawa nito, we want to warn everyone na meron kayong kahaharapin na mabigat na kaso dahil matagal nang pinagbabawal po ‘yan,” warned PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo.

Fajardo stressed the need for parental supervision of children due to the dangers of playing with boga, which can cause severe injuries like blindness, burns, and even amputation.

The DOH urged the public to avoid handling unexploded fireworks, clean their surroundings of gunpowder, and seek immediate medical attention for even minor injuries to prevent complications such as tetanus.

Hospitals in the country remain on Code White alert until January 6 to ensure sufficient resources for firecracker-related emergencies.

Authorities are committed to promoting safer celebrations while holding accountable those who endanger public safety through the creation and use of illegal devices like boga.