Sagay city: The Negros Island Region (NIR) recorded a significant decrease in fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) as the area celebrated a generally peaceful New Year, authorities reported on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, data from the Department of Health (DOH)-NIR indicated that from December 21, 2025, to the early hours of January 1, 2026, only 69 cases were documented, compared to the previous year's 131 cases, marking a decrease of 52.6 percent.
During a press conference held at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos attributed the reduced number of FWRIs to the intensified campaign by the DOH against firecracker usage during the festive season. Ramos highlighted the "Iwas Paputok" campaign, which collaborated with other national agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, as well as local government units (LGUs).
The recorded 69 cases comprised 47 blast/burn injuries, 13 eye injuries, eight eye injuries with blast/burn, and one blast/burn injury with amputation. The most severe case involved hand amputation, with the patient being transferred to the CLMMRH for further treatment.
Additionally, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) announced the successful execution of Ligtas Paskuhan 2025, leading to a generally peaceful and orderly New Year celebration. Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, praised both police personnel and the public for their cooperation and discipline in maintaining a safe environment.
PRO-NIR spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong detailed that public safety during the holidays was ensured through increased police visibility, strategic deployment, and strong coordination. Malong also recognized the effective partnership between the Philippine National Police and other relevant agencies, along with the LGUs. She reported that crime incidents during the New Year celebrations were generally manageable, with no stray bullet incidents recorded, underscoring the success of the intensified anti-indiscriminate firing campaign.
