(UPDATE) INJURIES from road crashes during this year’s Christmas season were 82 percent higher than the last year’s figure, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday. From Dec. 21, 2025 to Jan. 2, there were 1,113 road crash injuries, 71 percent of which involved motorcycles, which resulted in five deaths. The DOH said 135 of those involved in the crashes were under the influence of alcohol, and 965 were not using any protective gear, such as helmets and seatbelts. Road crash injuries are among the cases the DOH monitored during the holiday season, along with firework-related injuries, noncommunicable diseases and mental health cases. Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the number of cases is still increasing as late reports come in. Also on Friday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the 2026 New Year celebration was generally peaceful with zero casualties and no major crimes. The PNP said that from Dec. 31, 2025 to Jan. 1, it deployed 67,254 personnel nationwide. It said 19,248 officers were assigned to areas of convergence, 12,687 to places of worship, 12,210 to motorist assistance hubs, 5,597 to tourist destinations and 4,891 to transport hubs. To regulate firecracker use, police were deployed to 687 local government-designated firecracker-free zones and 918 community fireworks display areas. Despite 843 firecracker-related incidents, authorities recorded 183 persons injured, with no fatalities reported. Police operations also led to the arrest of 26 individuals and the seizure of 96,721 illegal firecrackers. Incidents of indiscriminate firing were limited to two cases, resulting in one person injured, with two firearms confiscated and one individual arrested. There were also no reports of stray bullet casualties. Fire linked to pyrotechnics were limited to three cases, leaving five persons injured. Sustained police operations resulted in the seizure of 61 illegal firearms and the arrest of 132 individuals for violations involving illegal drugs, illegal gambling and outstanding warrants. No index crimes — murder, homicide, rape, robbery, theft, physical injuries and carnapping — were recorded during the period. “These figures show that vigilance and early police action can significantly reduce risks during major celebrations,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.