Philippine firework injuries cut

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A campaign by the Philippine government has led to a sharp fall in the number of injuries caused by firecrackers over the New Year holiday, an official said.

Some 446 Filipinos were hurt by firecrackers between 21 December and 1 January, down almost 50% from 2006, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said.

Filipinos traditionally mark year-end with street parties and fireworks.

This year the government used gory images of injuries to urge public safety over the holiday period.

"Filipinos chose to be safer this year," Mr Duque told a news conference in the capital, Manila.

"The effective strategy was showing the public the incontrovertible horror of losing their limbs and possibly their lives," he said.

Some believe the loud firecrackers can scare evil spirits

The campaign had featured a young boy who had lost his hand in a firecracker blast, as well as images of medical equipment such as an amputation saw used to treat firecracker injuries.

Local media networks had also shown bloody footage of injuries from last year's celebrations.

The majority of those injured this year were male, while 30% of the victims were under the age of 10, Mr Duque said. Seven people were hit by stray bullets fired by revellers into the air.

The minister said that he would seek further regulations governing the use of firecrackers.

But they remain very popular - many Filipinos believe that noisy celebrations over the New Year can drive off bad luck and malevolent spirits.