The Police Regional Office-1 said the holiday season in Region 1 (Ilocos) was generally peaceful.
PRO-1 chief Police Brig. Gen. Dindo R. Reyes credited this to intensified security operations and proactive policing under “Oplan: Ligtas Paskuhan.”
More than 4,000 personnel composed of Philippine National Police (PNP) units, augmentation forces, and advocacy groups were deployed from 6 a.m. on Dec. 16 until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 2.
Security coverage focused on transport terminals, tourist destinations, places of worship, and other high-density public areas.
PRO-1 recorded 77 firecracker-related incidents, resulting in 88 minor injuries and no fatalities.
A total of 462 operations were conducted, leading to the confiscation of 4,506 illegal firecrackers. Five-thousand, five-hundred fifty were voluntarily surrendered and 520 violators were apprehended.
Two cases of indiscriminate firing were reported. Both incidents were immediately addressed by authorities, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and no reported injuries.
One fire was reported on Dec. 25 in Dagupan City, allegedly caused by firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices, which resulted in two deaths and 11 injuries. The incident remains under investigation.
Police noted a generally lower crime rate during the holiday season. Only two crime incidents were recorded. This was attributed to heightened police visibility, sustained patrols, continuous checkpoint operations, and close coordination with local government units, force multipliers, and community stakeholders.
Reyes said the successful conduct of holiday security operations underscored the importance of careful planning, strategic deployment, and public cooperation in preventing tragedies and ensuring public safety.