NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
A Peaceful New Year As PNP Reports Zero Casualties Nationwide
Photo credit: Marikina PIO
As fireworks burst across the sky and families counted down to midnight, the country welcomed 2026 on a peaceful note — thanks to tight security and coordinated efforts led by the Philippine National Police under Acting Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
According to the PNP, New Year celebrations across the country were generally peaceful, with no fatalities and no major crimes reported during the height of the festivities.
From December 31 (5:00 AM) to January 1 (11:00 AM), the PNP rolled out a massive nationwide deployment of 67,254 personnel. These included police officers, augmentation units, and members of advocacy groups stationed in churches, transport hubs, tourist spots, firecracker zones, and areas where crowds gathered to celebrate.
To keep firecracker use under control, police also secured hundreds of designated zones and community fireworks display areas.
Despite 843 firecracker-related incidents recorded, authorities said 183 people were injured — but none lost their lives. Police also seized nearly 100,000 illegal firecracker items and arrested 26 violators. There were only two reported cases of indiscriminate firing, with one person injured and two guns confiscated.
No stray bullet incidents were reported anywhere in the country.
Fireworks-related fires were also minimal — just three recorded cases — while a couple of road crashes left four people injured. Again, no deaths were reported.
Ongoing police operations during the holiday period also led to the seizure of loose firearms and the arrest of more than 100 individuals linked to illegal drugs, gambling, and outstanding warrants. Notably, no index crimes such as murder, robbery, or carnapping were recorded.
“These figures show that vigilance and early police action can significantly reduce risks during major celebrations,” Nartatez said, adding that community cooperation played a big role in keeping celebrations safe.
He added that the safe New Year celebration reflects the PNP’s push for stronger operations, better visibility on the ground, and active public participation.
“As we continue beyond the holidays, our commitment remains — to keep communities safe and ensure that public service is felt by every Filipino,” Nartatez said.
According to the PNP, New Year celebrations across the country were generally peaceful, with no fatalities and no major crimes reported during the height of the festivities.
From December 31 (5:00 AM) to January 1 (11:00 AM), the PNP rolled out a massive nationwide deployment of 67,254 personnel. These included police officers, augmentation units, and members of advocacy groups stationed in churches, transport hubs, tourist spots, firecracker zones, and areas where crowds gathered to celebrate.
To keep firecracker use under control, police also secured hundreds of designated zones and community fireworks display areas.
Despite 843 firecracker-related incidents recorded, authorities said 183 people were injured — but none lost their lives. Police also seized nearly 100,000 illegal firecracker items and arrested 26 violators. There were only two reported cases of indiscriminate firing, with one person injured and two guns confiscated.
No stray bullet incidents were reported anywhere in the country.
Fireworks-related fires were also minimal — just three recorded cases — while a couple of road crashes left four people injured. Again, no deaths were reported.
Ongoing police operations during the holiday period also led to the seizure of loose firearms and the arrest of more than 100 individuals linked to illegal drugs, gambling, and outstanding warrants. Notably, no index crimes such as murder, robbery, or carnapping were recorded.
“These figures show that vigilance and early police action can significantly reduce risks during major celebrations,” Nartatez said, adding that community cooperation played a big role in keeping celebrations safe.
He added that the safe New Year celebration reflects the PNP’s push for stronger operations, better visibility on the ground, and active public participation.
“As we continue beyond the holidays, our commitment remains — to keep communities safe and ensure that public service is felt by every Filipino,” Nartatez said.
Jan 2, 2026
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