(Eagle News)—-Less incidents of stray bullets were reported during these New Year celebrations, the Philippine National Police said.
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said there has only been one incident of stray bullet, which caused a minor injury on one person in Cagayan De Oro City.
He said injuries as a result of firecrackers also decreased by 80 percent–from 188 cases in 2017 to 36 cases.
Albayalde said incidents of illegal discharge of firearms, however, increased–from seven cases in 2017 to 26 cases.
The 26 cases involved 23 individuals, seven of whom are policemen.
“(But) the overall nationwide celebration of the holiday season for 2018 was generally safer and more peaceful compared to the previous year. The December 31 New Year’s Eve revelry alone was resoundingly safer compared to 2017,” Albayalde said.
He said these “positive developments could be attributed to our early preparations and consistent implementation of various measures..”
“The PNP will never rest on its laurels. We will once again buckle down to work as we deal with other peace and security challenges facing our country and as we prepare to ensure free, honest, peaceful and credible plebiscite and mid-term elections this January and May of this year,” Albayalde said.
