PNP reports 27 gunfire cases, 18 on Dec 31, arrests 21; 4 injured from stray bullets, 73 for illegal firecrackers

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported an increase to nine more cases of indiscriminate discharge of firearms during the New Year 2025 celebrations, bringing the total to 27 since December 22.

With 18 incidents recorded on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and seven individuals still at large, the PNP has arrested 21 people including civilians from various regions, one police officer under the influence of alcohol in Rizal province, a security guard, and a Bureau of Corrections personnel.

The PNP confiscated 17 firearms and recorded three injuries due to stray bullets, with all victims now out of danger; this year's number of injuries decreased compared to last year from seven to four.

A total of 1,360 cases involving illegal possession or sale of firecrackers have been monitored, resulting in the confiscation of nearly 600,000 pieces of illegal firecrackers worth PHP3.9 million.

Seventy-three individuals were apprehended for illegal fireworks and a total of 340 people suffered injuries from firecrackers between December 22, 2024, and January 1, 2025.

Despite the rise in indiscriminate discharge cases, PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo assured that the New Year festivities were generally peaceful with no significant untoward incidents reported.