97,000 illegal firecrackers seized during New Year festivities — PNPMANILA, Philippines — Police seized 96,721 illegal firecracker items and arrested 26 people during the New Year festivities for violating rules related to the use of pyrotechnics, the Philippine National Police said Thursday, January 1. Despite enforcement efforts, authorities recorded 843 firecracker-related incidents, which resulted in 183 people injured. The PNP said no fatalities were reported during the coverage period. Firecracker-related injuries, other incidentsThe PNP also reported three fire incidents linked to pyrotechnics, leaving five people injured, and two road crash incidents that injured four individuals. Separately, the PNP said it seized 61 loose firearms and arrested 132 individuals for violations involving illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and outstanding warrants during sustained police operations conducted alongside its holiday deployments.

Source: Philippine Star January 01, 2026 09:23 UTC