Central Luzon New Year celebrations log zero fatalities

Central Luzon police reported no fatalities or stray bullet victims during New Year’s celebrations, citing intensified enforcement and the confiscation of more than 50,000 illegal fireworks.

Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., director of Police Regional Office 3, said Thursday that while 31 people were injured by firecrackers, the region recorded zero deaths.

“The absence of fatalities and stray bullet victims reflects our firm enforcement of the law and the discipline of our police personnel,” Peñones said.

Authorities seized 50,994 prohibited pyrotechnic devices, including 448 improvised “boga” cannons. Police also arrested three suspects and confiscated five firearms in connection with illegal discharge incidents.

Peñones stressed that no police officers or other uniformed personnel were involved in the indiscriminate firing cases.

The region recorded 113 holiday-related incidents in total, 29 of which involved fireworks.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) also described the holiday as generally peaceful, attributing the orderly situation to early deployment and high police visibility at countdown venues.

NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said 147 minor injuries were reported, mostly caused by firecrackers.

Two civilians were arrested in the capital for indiscriminate firing. Asilo said the suspects face charges for the illegal discharge of firearms and violations of Republic Act 10591, as the weapons used were undocumented.