Tacloban: Police authorities in Eastern Visayas reported zero deaths and no major firecracker- or firearm-related incidents during the New Year celebration, highlighting the effectiveness of intensified security operations across the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas) stated that as of 6 a.m. on Jan. 2, no fatalities were recorded, although 14 people sustained minor injuries from firecrackers. A total of 43 individuals were also arrested for violating local ordinances related to the firecracker ban.

PRO-8 noted that there were no reported fire incidents caused by pyrotechnics, as well as no cases of indiscriminate firing or stray bullets during the festivities. The outcome followed the deployment of heightened security measures led by Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy.

More than 2,500 police officers were assigned to secure churches, major roads, transport terminals, commercial areas, and other crowd convergence points from Dec. 16, 2025, to Jan. 6, 2026. An additional 478 police personnel were deployed to various cities and municipalities, with 255 assigned to community fireworks display areas and 233 to designated firecracker zones.

Capoy credited the results to the strict enforcement of safety regulations and cooperation between law enforcement and the public, emphasizing that police vigilance will continue beyond the holiday period. PRO-8 reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public safety and urged residents to continue observing laws and safety guidelines throughout the year.