The New Year celebrations in the Philippines were marred by tragic incidents involving fireworks and stray bullets. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), two fatalities were reported due to fireworks and stray bullet incidents during the New Year’s celebrations. The PNP’s report further detailed that a total of 509 individuals suffered injuries from fireworks, and one person was injured by a stray bullet. Additionally, the Department of Health reported 116 new firework-related injuries treated in hospitals.
The PNP recorded 13 incidents of illegal firearm discharge, resulting in 13 arrests and the confiscation of eight firearms. Notably, in Zamboanga, a police officer was arrested for discharging a firearm while intoxicated, leading to criminal and administrative charges. Furthermore, 26 people were arrested for illegal fireworks, with authorities seizing 193,320 pieces of illegal firecrackers valued at P3,694,794.50.
Despite these incidents, Police Colonel Jean Fajardo of the PNP stated that the overall New Year 2024 celebrations were generally peaceful. The PNP will maintain a heightened alert status in the coming week, anticipating continued travel after the New Year celebrations.