Ilocos Norte records zero crime during New Year celebrations

The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) reported a generally peaceful New Year celebration across the Ilocos Region, with most incidents linked to fireworks and pyrotechnics. As of 6:00 p.m. on 02 January 2026, PRO1’s “Ligtas Paskuhan” monitoring recorded 489 incidents regionwide—419 of which were violations involving the possession, sale, and use of firecrackers, and 65 firecracker-related injuries.

Despite the regional tally, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office notably recorded zero crime incidents, underscoring a peaceful holiday period in the province. No robbery, theft, homicide, murder, or other criminal offenses were reported. Ilocos Norte likewise reported no fire incidents, which Fire Superintendent Roxanne Parado, Provincial Fire Marshal of Ilocos Norte, attributed to the proactive campaign of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which intensified public safety advisories, preparedness measures, and community coordination prior to the holidays.

Aside from the regular police personnel assigned in stations, augmentations were also provided. Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Police Colonel Jeomar Labiano said early deployment was a key factor in the province’s peaceful record. He shared that personnel from the different Mobile Forces and the Special Action Force (SAF) were strategically dispatched ahead of the New Year festivities across critical and populated areas in the province. This, he said, helped ensure that police efforts were proactive rather than reactive, significantly contributing to the absence of “focus crimes.”

However, Ilocos Norte logged two firecracker-related injuries. At about 1:30 a.m. on 01 January 2026, Laoag City Police received a report from Laoag City General Hospital regarding a victim identified as “Alias Bert,” 37, of Barangay 34-A, Gabu Norte. Investigation revealed that while celebrating the New Year, the victim lit a twist-type firecracker that suddenly exploded while still in his hand, severely injuring and mutilating several fingers. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

In Dingras, police coordinated with Dingras District Hospital around 10:30 a.m. on 01 January 2026 after learning that a minor had been earlier brought to the hospital around 2:00 a.m. for firecracker injuries. According to the victim’s father, the minor approached an improvised explosive placed in a Yakult container that failed to detonate during celebrations in Barangay Bacsil. It suddenly exploded while being checked, causing burns to the child’s face, chest, and arm. The victim was treated and discharged as an outpatient.

Elsewhere in Region 1, Ilocos Sur recorded 150 incidents, La Union logged 156, Pangasinan posted 112—including one shoplifting case—and Dagupan City Police reported five incidents, including one fire. However, for Ilocos Sur, two illegal discharge of firearm incidents were recorded.

In Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, on 21 December 2025 at around 2:10 a.m., police arrested suspect Rommel Blanes y Marquez, 48, after he allegedly fired a gun while drinking in Barangay Estancia. Responding officers caught him in flagrante delicto in possession of a homemade caliber .22 revolver. He was arrested, apprised of his rights, and the firearm was inventoried in the presence of barangay officials before being brought to Narvacan MPS for documentation and filing of charges for violation of RA 10591.

In Sinait, Ilocos Sur, on 01 January 2026 at around 2:15 a.m., suspect Charlie Ibea Yacas, 48, of Barangay Namnama, allegedly fired his firearm upward and downward after motorcycle riders were revving engines near his residence. Police recovered three fired cartridge cases for caliber .45 at the scene. Yacas surrendered his Taurus .45 pistol with one magazine containing ten live rounds and later presented his firearm registration, LTOPF, and PTCFOR. He underwent medical examination and is now under the custody of Sinait MPS along with the recovered evidence.

Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Agosto M. Asuncion assured that appropriate legal action has already been taken. He said the necessary complaints have been filed and the suspects have already undergone inquest proceedings. He stressed that the arrests were made possible through strong community participation, reflecting the steady partnership between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the public.

In an interview, Police Brigadier General Dindo Reyes, Regional Director of PRO1, lauded the cooperation of communities and the coordinated efforts of security forces and partner agencies.

“The safe celebration of Holiday Season in Region 1 demonstrates that careful planning, strategic deployment, and public cooperation prevent tragedies, ensuring that every resident and visitor can enjoy a safe and peaceful start of the year,” PBGEN Reyes said.

Authorities credited the generally peaceful celebration to heightened police visibility, strict enforcement of firecracker regulations, proactive BFP campaigns, and strong public cooperation. PRO1 continues to urge the public to observe safety protocols and avoid illegal or unsafe fireworks.

Overall, Region 1 welcomed the New Year with minimal crime disturbance. Ilocos Norte stood out for recording zero crime incidents and zero fire incidents, serving as a strong model of safe and orderly celebration, even as isolated firecracker injuries remind the public of the continuing need for vigilance and caution.