From Philstar

By Lia Atienza

Various government agencies have called for the orderly celebration of the new year, implementing safety measures in preparation for New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day on January 1, 2026.

In a statement released on Sunday, December 28, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stated that it will remain on full alert, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), monitoring crowded areas, especially malls and transportation terminals, during the holiday festivities.

Moreover, in a separate statement, the PNP encouraged barangay officials and the public to help ensure a safe New Year 2026 celebration.

“Ilang araw bago ang mismong Bagong Taon, nakapagtala na tayo ng humigit-kumulang 100 indibidwal na nasugatan dahil sa paputok,” reported PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

On Monday, December 29, the PNP said that more than 56,000 policemen will be deployed on New Year’s Eve and stationed in high-traffic zones, including transport terminals, commercial hubs, coastal areas, and residential neighborhoods.

“We expect another influx of passengers for the new year celebration, especially that there will be a long holiday break,” Nartatez said after Malacañang Palace suspended government offices on December 29 and January 2. 

The PNP will also be increasing the number of checkpoints and patrols to ensure road safety amid the holiday travel surge. 

Under the BFP’s “Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok,” 31,000 firefighters are also deployed to immediately respond to firework-related emergencies and injuries nationwide. 

“Huwag mag-atubiling tumawag sa Hotline 911 sa kahit na anong emergency,’’ the BFP said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Saturday, December 27, also released an updated list of certified firework brands and manufacturers, as well as safety precautions for the upcoming holiday.

However, the BFP still advised the public to watch community fireworks displays or use noise-making alternatives instead of using prohibited firecrackers.

The BFP and PNP are also working together to seize illegal firecrackers, conducting careful inspections and confiscations in high-traffic areas.

Non-government organization Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) also renewed its call for the ban of firecrackers, stating that animals are the “number one victims” of the noise and smoke.

“Ang gusto talaga namin, matigil na iyong pagpaputok tuwing New Year. Taon-taon ginagawa namin ito, [at] nababawasan naman sa palagay namin iyong gumagamit ng paputok. Kasi ito ay nakakapinsala sa ating mga alagang hayop,” stated PAWS Executive Director Anna Cabrera.

The organization also advised pet owners against leaving animals outdoors during the New Year celebration, further saying that it exposes them to heightened fear, stress, and danger.

The DILG continues to remind the public that the holiday celebrations also serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility in ensuring the order and protection of the public.