At least eight firecracker-related incidents were recorded in Northern Mindanao, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-10.

Based on PRO-10’s Tactical Operation Center’s monitoring, four firecracker-related incidents happened in Bukidnon and one each in Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental as of January 1, 2024.

Police also arrested a man for illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers and two others for alleged indiscriminate firing in Cagayan de Oro.

Nearly P300,000 worth of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices have been confiscated in the city.

Despite the said incidents, the PRO-10 claimed that the holiday celebrations were ‘generally and relatively peaceful’.

PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Ricardo Layug, said there have been no significant untoward incidents reported during the New Year celebration that affected the overall peace and order situation in the region.

“Our continuous reminders on safety measures, there were still incidents recorded in our Area of Responsibility (AOR) that resulted in injuries due to firecrackers. However, we are still thankful that there were no major incidents related to the celebration of the New Year,” Layug said.

"Malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ng ating komunidad at iba't ibang ahensya sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa pagsalubong ng bagong taon. Kaya akoy nagpapasalamat sa bawat isa sa kanilang kooperasyon at suporta at pagsunod sa batas. Nawa'y tayo ay magkaisa at mas maging matatag ngayong 2024 para sa pagsulong ng ating bansa," he added.