New Year's celebration in Ilocos Norte generally peaceful-INPPO

The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) has announced that the New Year's in Ilocos Norte was generally "peaceful."

It's "Ligtas na Ilocos Norte sa Bagong Taon" campaign has succeeded, recording no major incidents. 

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, continues to support the initiatives of INPPO, particularly in forwarding campaigns that safeguards the welfare of every Ilokano. 

As of today, January 2, there were only 16 minor firecracker-related injuries and one (1) fire incident recorded. PCol Julius Suriben, Provincial Director of INPPO, emphasized that illegal firecrackers did not cause any of these incidents.

Although illegal firecrackers were totally banned in Ilocos Norte, there were still a few bought online, which became a challenge according to PCol. Suriben. 

"Ang isang manifestation nito, hindi kumalat yung illegal firecrackers [pero] ang naging challenge diyan ay yung banned firecrackers ay available through Facebook store."

"Kung makikita niyo mayroon pa nga tayong naaresto na rider na magdedeliver ng paputok through courier," he added. 

On the other hand, INPPO also confiscated 219 pieces of boga (improvised firecrackers) and recorded four (4) road crash accidents and one (1) stabbing incident in San Nicolas, where the suspect was immediately arrested. Meanwhile, there were no reports of stray bullets, indiscriminate firing, and cases filed. 

PCol Suriben hopes the number will no longer increase for a much better start of 2024.