The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 in Central Visayas has reported a peaceful and orderly Christmas celebration across the region, marked by an absence of firecracker-related injuries and a notable drop in crime.
Zero Incidents During Simbang Gabi and Christmas Day
According to Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the chief of PRO-7, the region recorded zero firecracker victims and not a single crime during the entire nine-day Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi leading up to Christmas. Maranan attributed this success to the massive deployment of police personnel to ensure public safety.
Over 10,000 police officers were strategically deployed throughout Central Visayas to secure the Christmas festivities. This same force level will remain in place to maintain vigilance during the upcoming New Year's celebrations, the police official confirmed.
Strict Enforcement of Firecracker Regulations
In the days before Christmas, General Maranan personally inspected firecracker vendors in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, to ensure compliance with Philippine National Police (PNP) regulations. The inspection found that all vendors were adhering to the rules, which include securing permits from the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the local government.
"It's good that we did not see anyone selling prohibited firecrackers. Our fellow citizens here in Region 7 are generally law-abiding, but we will not be complacent," Maranan stated. He emphasized that authorities will continue conducting surprise inspections to guarantee everyone follows the law.
Continued Vigilance for New Year's Eve
Police Colonel George Ylanan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), corroborated the report, stating their records also showed no firecracker victims. He added that they are coordinating with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Department of Health (DOH) 7 to monitor any related hospital admissions.
Ylanan assured the public that the police force will have no respite in their service during the holiday season and the approaching New Year. Authorities are particularly focused on monitoring the use of firecrackers, which they expect to increase significantly on New Year's Eve.
General Maranan issued a strong public appeal, urging people to avoid using large firecrackers and, most importantly, to never fire guns in celebration, as this can lead to serious accidents. He warned that anyone caught firing a gun, whether a police officer or a civilian, will face criminal charges.
While PRO-7 has not monitored any specific security threats during the holiday season, Maranan stressed that police will not let their guard down and will remain on high alert to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the celebrations.
