The Police Regional Office-1 (Ilocos) has urged a safe observance of the new year.

POLICE Brig. Gen. Lou F. Evangelista, PRO-1 director, inspects firecracker stalls in Barangay Ortega, Balaoan, La Union on Monday morning, Dec. 30. (Photo via PRO1)
PRO-1 chief Police Brig. Gen. Lou F. Evangelista inspected firecracker retailers and manufacturers in La Union on Monday morning, Dec. 30.
Evangelista said the inspection was meant to ensure that all products being sold meet safety standards and remind retailers about safe practices and importance of using firecrackers responsibly.
“As we welcome the year 2025, we want to ensure that everyone can celebrate safely. These firecrackers can be a source of injury and fire hazards. Kaya't pinapaalalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na maging maingat at sumunod sa lahat regulasyon. Salubungin natin ang Bagong Taon na kasama ang ating pamilya at kumpleto ang daliri ng ating mga kamay (We remind the people to be careful and follow regulations. Let us welcome the new year with our family and complete fingers),” he said.
"We also encourage the public to report any illegal firecracker use to the local police. Tulungan ninyo kaming mapanatili ang masaya at ligtas na pasalubong ng bagong taon (Help us maintain a safe and happy new year). Let us celebrate safely and responsibly," he added.
The Police Regional Office-2 is also monitoring and inspecting firecracker stalls in the Cagayan Valley region to ensure compliance with regulations and the safety of the public during the new year.
Meanwhile, a nine-year-old boy was injured by a firecracker in Barangay Cabaroan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte on Sunday.
Police said the victim failed to immediately release the firecracker and was taken to the rural health unit.
A seven-year-old boy was injured while lighting a “boga” in Solana, Cagayan over the weekend. The victim’s parents surrendered the improvised cannon to the police after the incident.
Thirty-four boga were voluntarily surrendered by residents of Ballesteros, Cagayan on Sunday.