CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – The Police Regional Office 4-A reported a significant reduction in the number of firecracker-related injuries and indiscriminate firing incidents during the New Year celebration in the Calabarzon region.
Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, PRO 4-A director, reported that 17 firecracker and pyrotechnics device-related incidents were recorded in 2025, a substantial decrease compared to the 216 reported during the same period in 2024.
He added that incidents of indiscriminate firing dropped from 11 in 2024 to only one in 2025.
Lucas emphasized that the lone case of indiscriminate firing did not involve any police personnel or other law enforcement agencies, as the incident involved a civilian who is now facing appropriate charges.
Lucas attributed the remarkable decline in incidents to the intensified campaign of PRO 4-A against illegal firecrackers and firearms, enhanced police visibility, and the sustained cooperation of local government units, advocacy support groups, and the community.
Quezon murder
SARIAYA, Quezon – A 50-year-old security guard was found dead with a bullet wound in a public school in Barangay Mamala 1 here on Wednesday morning, Dec. 31.
Police said the victim Lito was discovered by Jerson Aldea, 32, school janitor.
Follow-up investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, a 71-year-old widow was bumped and killed by a utility vehicle while crossing the Diversion Road in Barangay IIayang Dupay, Lucena City, Quezon on New Year's Eve.
The victim was identified as Maria of Sitio Quiapoy, Barangay Santo Tomas, Tagkawayan town, Quezon.
She was taken to the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena where she was declared dead.
The driver, Melbert, 47 of Tiaong, Quezon, was arrested and the vehicle was taken into custody by the Lucena police.
Melbert faces a reckless imprudence resulting in homicide case.