Iloilo welcomes peaceful start

ILOILO CITY — Authorities reported a peaceful start to 2026 in Iloilo, with no deaths or injuries from stray bullets or indiscriminate firing during New Year’s Eve festivities.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said monitoring through 6 a.m. Thursday showed no major incidents despite large crowds across the city. Col. Kim Legada, the city police director, credited the outcome to a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the public.

“This peaceful celebration is a collective effort of the community,” Legada said. “Authorities, local organizations, and residents worked hand in hand to ensure a safe and harmonious environment.”

The ICPO deployed personnel for foot and mobile patrols and established assistance desks in high-traffic areas as part of the national “Ligtas Paskuhan 2025” security campaign.

In the surrounding province, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office also reported a generally orderly celebration.

Col. Bayani Razalan, the provincial police director, said while some alcohol-related incidents occurred in residential areas, no significant security threats were recorded.

“This achievement is proof of the effective deployment of our personnel,” Razalan said.

Law enforcement units in both the city and province remain on heightened alert as holiday travel continues.