Negros Island Region (NIR) celebrated a remarkably peaceful start to 2026, recording a significant 52.6% decrease in fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) compared to the previous year.
Data released by the Department of Health (DOH)-NIR on Thursday revealed that only 69 cases were documented between December 21, 2025, and the morning of January 1, 2026, a sharp decline from the 131 cases reported during the same period last year.
During a press conference at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), DOH Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos credited the success to the “Iwas Paputok” campaign. He emphasized that the strengthened partnership between the DOH, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and various local government units (LGUs) was instrumental in discouraging the use of dangerous firecrackers during the holiday season.
Of the 69 reported cases, the majority involved 47 blast or burn injuries and 13 eye injuries, while eight individuals suffered combined eye and blast injuries. The most severe case involved a hand amputation, requiring the patient to be transferred to CLMMRH for specialized treatment. Despite these incidents, health officials viewed the overall trend as a major victory for public safety awareness.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) also declared the “Ligtas Paskuhan 2025” operations a success, citing a generally orderly celebration. Regional Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay commended the public for their discipline, while spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong highlighted that heightened police visibility and strategic deployment kept crime manageable. Notably, the region recorded zero stray bullet incidents, which authorities attributed to an effective crackdown on indiscriminate firing.
