MANILA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 139 people were injured by firecrackers during the New Year celebration for 2019, the Philippine government said on Tuesday.

Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque told a news conference that based on the Department of Health record, the number of firecracker-related injuries during the New Year celebration for 2019 declined by 68 percent compared to 2018.

Duque said the significant decline of firecracker-related injuries could be attributed to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's order giving the Philippine National Police authority to regulate illegal firecrackers and fireworks.

The department said the number might still increase, adding that hospitals will continue to monitor cases related to fireworks injuries until Jan. 5.

Lighting up firecrackers and fireworks have always been a part of the revelry in the Philippines especially during Christmas and New Year's Eve. Like in many other Asian countries Filipinos believe the practice will drive away bad luck and the bad spirits as they welcome the new year.