PNP records zero fatalities, index crimes

DOH: 235 fireworks-related injuries with 62 new cases

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG, JEL SANTOS, and HANNAH NICOL

There were no recorded deaths from the New Year celebrations, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) while the Department of Health (DOH) logged 235 fireworks-related injuries nationwide since Dec. 21, including 62 new cases, which is 42 percent lower than last year's tally of 403 cases.

The figures were reported by 62 sentinel hospitals being monitored by the health department.

Of the total cases, the DOH said 161 victims were aged 19 years old and below.

Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said the New Year celebration was generally peaceful nationwide as police data showed no record of index crimes including murder, homicide, rape, robbery, theft, physical injury, or carnapping during the monitoring period from Dec. 31, 2025 (5:00 a.m.) to January 1, 2026 (11:00 a.m.).

The PNP also enforced firecracker regulations in 687 designated firecracker-free zones and secured 918 community fireworks display areas.

Despite 843 firecracker-related incidents, authorities recorded 183 injured individuals but without fatalities, the PNP noted. Police arrested 26 persons and seized 96,721 illegal firecrackers during their operations.

The PNP deployed a total of 67,254 personnel nationwide during the same period, including augmentation forces and members of advocacy groups as force multipliers.

Police visibility was concentrated in major convergence areas, places of worship, transport terminals, tourist destinations, and motorist assistance hubs.

The PNP monitored two cases of indiscriminate firing. One person was injured while police confiscated two firearms and arrested one suspect in these cases. No stray bullet incidents were recorded.

Fire incidents linked to pyrotechnics were limited to three cases, leaving five individuals injured.