01/01/2026
ZERO CASUALTIES WELCOME 2026 AS PNP SECURES GENERALLY PEACEFUL NEW YEAR NATIONWIDE
As fireworks lit the skies and families ushered in 2026, peace and order prevailed across the country, reflecting the Philippine National Police’s effective security posture under the leadership of PNP Acting Chief, PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. Public safety remained firmly in place even at the height of the celebrations.
The Philippine National Police reported that the nationwide New Year celebration was generally peaceful, highlighted by zero casualties and the absence of major crimes during the implementation of the security preparations to welcome 2026.
Covering the period from December 31, 2025 (5:00 AM) to January 1, 2026 (11:00 AM), the PNP deployed 67,254 personnel nationwide, composed of 34,579 PNP personnel, 11,694 augmentation forces, and 20,981 advocacy group members. Personnel were strategically positioned in areas of convergence with 19,248 deployed, places of worship with 12,687, motorist assistance hubs with 12,210, tourist destinations with 5,597, and transport hubs with 4,891. To regulate firecracker use, the PNP also secured 687 LGU-designated firecracker-free zones manned by 8,196 personneland 918 community fireworks display areas staffed by 2,449 personnel.
Despite 843 firecracker-related incidents, authorities recorded 183 persons injured, with no fatalities reported. Police operations led to the arrest of 26 individuals and the seizure of 96,721 illegal firecracker items. Incidents of indiscriminate firing were limited to two cases, resulting in one person injured, with two fi****ms confiscated and one individual arrested. Importantly, no stray bullet incidents were recorded nationwide.
Fire incidents linked to pyrotechnics were limited to three cases, leaving five persons injured, while two road crash incidents resulted in four individuals injured. All cases were promptly responded to by police units and emergency responders, and no deaths were recorded in any category throughout the coverage period.
Alongside preventive deployments, sustained police operations resulted in the seizure of 61 loose fi****ms and the arrest of 132 individuals for violations involving illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and outstanding warrants. Notably, zero index crimes—including murder, homicide, r**e, robbery, theft, physical injuries, and carnapping—were recorded during the period, reinforcing a stable peace and order situation as the country transitioned into the New Year.
“These figures show that vigilance and early police action can significantly reduce risks during major celebrations,” PLTGEN Nartatez said. “Hindi man natin tuluyang maiwasan ang insidente, mahalaga na walang nasawi at agad na natutugunan ang bawat pangyayari.”
The overall outcome reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly its emphasis on Enhanced Managing Police Operations and Active Community Support, evident in anticipatory deployment, sustained visibility, and the participation of advocacy groups that helped keep incidents from escalating during the holiday celebration.
“Ang ligtas na pagsalubong sa 2026 ay bunga ng paghahanda at pakikiisa ng mamamayan,” PLTGEN Nartatez added. “Patuloy naming paiigtingin ang aming pagbabantay para sa kapayapaan ng bawat komunidad.”
As the PNP continues to safeguard communities beyond the holiday season under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP continues to assure the public of its vision: PNP’s “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
