Police Regional Office 3 Director PBGen Jose S. Hidalgo Jr. said that 185 firecracker-related incidents and three (3) illegal discharge of firearms were recorded regionwide from December 16, 2023 to January 1, 2024 which is higher by 109 cases or  41.08% compared to the 76 reported incidents of the previous year.

Out of the 185 firecracker- related incidents, 188 individuals were injured while three (3) persons were arrested for illegal discharge of firearms in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac and one (1) alleged incident of stray bullet in Lupao, Nueva Ecija which is under investigation.

Meanwhile, a total of 20, 415 pieces of illegal firecrackers worth Php 196,428.00 were confiscated, most of which are Judas’ belt, five- star, piccolo, and kwitis and 13 persons were apprehended.

Hidalgo also said that there were no major untoward incidents that took place on December 31 up to midnight of January 2. 

“As to the assessment of the celebration of Christmas and New Year, it is generally peaceful here in Central Luzon and no PNP personnel was involved in the illegal discharge of firearms. However, the increase in fireworks related incidents can be attributed to the lifting of any restrictions on movement and people are starting to use firecrackers again. We are still on heightened alert status to provide security for the influx of passengers in terminals, seaports, and airports as we go back to regular working days,” he added.

Photo: Gerald Gloton