200 injured in Philippines NYE celebrations

More than 200 people have been injured by illegal firecrackers and celebratory gunfire in the Philippines despite a government scare campaign against reckless holiday revelries, officials said today.

Stray bullets wounded eight people and 197 were injured by powerful firecrackers from December 21-30, Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag said, adding that more than half of the victims were children.