TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) said the New Year 2026 celebration went generally peaceful, with no major untoward incidents that disrupted the festivities.

LPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Dionisio Apas Jr. attributed the peaceful celebration to thorough security preparations and the cooperation of the public.

“The generally peaceful New Year celebration in Leyte reflects the discipline of our people and the commitment of our police personnel to ensure public safety,” Apas said.

However, a crackdown on illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics resulted in the confiscation of 11,135 assorted illegal firecrackers and improvised cannons, locally known as boga, worth P85,960 across the province.

Apas said that in many instances, the illegal items were abandoned by unidentified violators who fled upon police presence, while in other cases, barangay officials and concerned citizens voluntarily turned over prohibited firecrackers surrendered by their constituents.

Across the Eastern Visayas region, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said a total of 43 individuals were arrested for violations of municipal ordinances.

From 16 December 2025 to 06 January 2026, PRO-8 deployed more than 2,500 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel across the region to secure churches, major thoroughfares, transport terminals, commercial centers, and other convergence areas.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health regional office recorded a total of 21 firework-related injuries across Eastern Visayas, with more than half occurring between 31 December 2025 and 01 January 2026.