Per PRO 6 data, from December 16, 2022 to 8:00 A.M. of January 1, 2022, six firecracker-related incidents were reported, one incident of indiscriminate firing and one on stray bullet with no recorded casualties.

These noted a decrease in comparison to the data reports during the same period last year, where 81 firecracker-related incidents, one incident of indiscriminate firing, and three stray bullets incidents were recorded.

The press statement added that in 113 police operations conducted for the period, two persons were arrested for the illegal sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices with confiscated items amounting to P119,772.00.

Meanwhile, in the intensified campaign against the polyvinyl pipe or improvised can cannons or locally known as “Boga,” a total of 1,007 were confiscated.

Further, PRO6 records that no one among the 12,755 policemen under PRO-6 was found to have fired a service firearm during the new year’s eve revelry.

He also acknowledges the cooperation of the general public throughout the region that resulted in a peaceful and orderly welcoming of the new year.

"The peaceful celebrations of this Yuletide Season are attributed to the collaboration, coordination, cooperation, and personal commitment of all contributing units and the active support of our stakeholders," said Francisco.

On the other hand, the Department of Health - Western Visayas Center for Health Development, as of 5:59 a.m. of January 2, 2023, reported a total of 132 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) incidents in Western Visayas.

Out of the said total, some 30 of which are reported by the region's sentinel hospitals - 14 from Iloilo province, nine from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental and Iloilo City - three each, and Capiz - one.

Most of the 30 FWRI incidents in sentinel hospitals of Western Visayas are caused by "Camara" with eight cases or 27