Less untoward incidents happened during the New Year celebration
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that generally speaking, the New Year celebration just to welcome 2024 is “peaceful” and this simply means Filipinos are learning from the bad incidents that happened in the past.
Filipinos are big celebrators of holidays and festivity. It has been a part of culture in the Philippines that merrymaking is always present during these kinds of occasions, which means, drinking and eating, music and partying are there.
For many years, Filipinos spent a lot on extravagant fireworks which caused different accidents. Fires and injuries were reported but in recent years, lesser numbers of untoward incidents were reported.
Since alcohol has been a part of merrymaking for many people, conflicts, and fights cannot be avoided, including accidents on the streets because of drunk drivers.
Based on the report from the Philippine Star, this year, the PNP can say that there is no major untoward incident that happened during the New Year celebration in the Philippines.
For the welcoming of 2024, the PNP reported that there were 11 cases of illegal discharge of firearms, as of January 1. On December 30, they reported that they arrested 12 people around the country for selling banned firecrackers. Authorities were able to confiscate more than 28,000 banned firecrackers worth P244,130 over the holidays.
The PNP will continue to be on heightened alert until next week, especially since terminals will be more crowded for people going home from vacation.
With the generally peaceful situation all over the country during the celebration of New Year, it can be said that Filipinos have learned a more vital thing during this occasion – to be with loved ones and enjoy clean fun.
Over the years, it can be noticed that fewer firecrackers or fireworks have been bought and used. This is noticeable during New Year’s Eve. It was not as loud in previous years when more incidents of firecracker accidents were reported.
The government has done its part also in reminding the public to be safe and choose other alternatives to create noise to welcome the new year.