ILOILO City – Firecracker-related injuries across Western Visayas declined sharply during the New Year celebrations, but government agencies reported conflicting figures, with the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) logging 44 cases and the Department of Health (DOH) recording only 14 cases, even as both agencies agreed the overall trend showed a substantial decrease from last year.
PRO-6 said the 44 cases represented a 68.11-percent reduction from the previous year, attributing the drop to intensified security operations, stricter enforcement of firecracker regulations, and sustained public safety campaigns during the holiday period.
“The safe and peaceful New Year celebration reflects the discipline of the public and the dedication of our police officers who remained on duty during the holidays,” said PRO-6 director Brigadier General Josefino Ligan.
In contrast, DOH Region 6, which tracked cases treated in sentinel hospitals from December 21, 2025 to January 1, 2026, reported only 14 fireworks-related injuries, a 78-percent decrease compared with the same period last year.
Health data showed injuries spanning a wide age range:
* four cases among children aged 1 to 9
* four cases among those aged 10 to 19
* two cases in the 30-39 age group, and
* one case each among individuals aged 20-29, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 years old and above.
DOH-6 identified boga or improvised cannons, as the leading cause of injuries with five cases, followed by two cases involving kwitis or bottle rockets.
Single cases were also linked to triangle, whistle bomb, baby rocket, and sky rocket, while several injuries involved unidentified types of fireworks.
Of the 14 cases, according to DOH-6, 13 patients were treated and discharged, while one required hospitalization due to the severity of injuries.
Both PRO-6 and DOH-6 acknowledged that differences in figures may stem from varying reporting sources, with police data drawn from station and field reports, while health figures are based solely on hospital-treated cases.
A clearer and more definitive regional count is expected in the coming days once reports from local government units, police stations, and health facilities are fully consolidated.
The PRO-6 also reported three cases of indiscriminate firing, with charges filed against those involved, while DOH-6 reiterated calls for the public to avoid personal fireworks and opt for safer alternatives, stressing that vigilance remains crucial even beyond the holiday season.
Ligan said police operations would not be scaled down following the holiday season, stressing that public safety remains a priority throughout the year.
“As we begin the New Year, police visibility and proactive law enforcement will continue to be intensified to sustain peace and order across the region,” he said./PN
