Negros Island Region (NIR) logged significantly lower fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) as the region marked a generally peaceful New Year, authorities said on Thursday.
Data of the Department of Health (DOH)-NIR showed that from Dec. 21, 2025 to early morning of Jan. 1, 2026, only 69 cases were recorded compared the last year’s 131 cases, or a decrease of 52.6 percent.
In a press conference at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City on Thursday, Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos said the lower FWRIs can be attributed to the strengthened campaign of the DOH against the use of firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
“The campaign focuses on ‘Iwas Paputok’ in partnership with other national government agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government as well as the local government units (LGUs),” he said.
The 69 cases across the region included 47 blast/burn injuries, 13 eye injuries, eight eye injuries with blast/burn, and one blast/burn injury with amputation.
The latter was the most severe case with hand amputation, and was transferred to the CLMMRH.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported the successful implementation of Ligtas Paskuhan 2025, resulting in a generally peaceful and orderly New Year celebration.
In a statement, PRO-NIR regional director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay commended both police personnel and the public for their cooperation and discipline.
“This positive outcome reflects our collective commitment to safety, discipline, and responsible celebration. We thank the public for partnering with us in maintaining peace and order as we welcome the new year,” he said.
PRO-NIR spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong said they effectively ensured public safety during the holidays through heightened police visibility, strategic deployment, and strong coordination.
Malong acknowledged the partnership of the Philippine National Police with other concerned agencies and the LGUs government units.
She said crime incidents during the New Year celebrations remained generally manageable.
“No stray bullet incidents were recorded, a clear indication of the effectiveness of the intensified anti-indiscriminate firing campaign,” Malong said. *PNA