MANILA — New Year celebrations across the country were generally peaceful, with no fatalities and no major crimes recorded, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Thursday.
From 5 a.m. on December 31, 2025, to 11 a.m. on January 1, 2026, the PNP documented 843 firecracker-related incidents, resulting in 183 injuries. Despite these incidents, authorities emphasized that no deaths were recorded during the holiday period.
Police operations led to the arrest of 26 individuals and the seizure of 96,721 illegal firecrackers nationwide. Authorities also recorded two cases of indiscriminate firing, which left one person injured. One suspect was arrested, and two firearms were confiscated.
To maintain peace and order, the PNP deployed 67,254 personnel nationwide, including 34,579 police officers, 11,694 augmentation forces, and 20,981 members of advocacy groups. These personnel were stationed in high-traffic and high-risk areas, including places of convergence, churches, transport terminals, tourist destinations, and motorist assistance hubs.
Additional security coverage was provided in 687 firecracker-free zones and 918 community fireworks display areas, ensuring crowd control and rapid emergency response during the celebrations.
The PNP also reported three fire incidents linked to pyrotechnics, which injured five people, and two road accidents that resulted in four injuries. All incidents were promptly addressed by police and emergency response teams.
Separate law enforcement operations conducted during the same period resulted in the seizure of 61 loose firearms and the arrest of 132 individuals for violations involving illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and outstanding warrants.
Notably, the PNP said no index crimes—including murder, homicide, rape, robbery, theft, physical injuries, and carnapping—were recorded during the New Year period, underscoring a stable peace and order situation nationwide.
“These figures show that vigilance and early police action can significantly reduce risks during major celebrations,” Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said, citing strong coordination and public cooperation as key factors.| – BNN Integrated News
