THE New Year celebration in Central Luzon was generally peaceful as no fatalities were recorded, the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon reported.

The number of firecracker-related injuries had also decreased by up to 16.29 percent from 178 cases last year to only 29 this year.

Meanwhile, three persons were arrested for violation of Republic Act 7183 or the Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices.

Four incidents of illegal discharge of firearms were also reported in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac, two of whom involve civilians while the other two are security guards.

PRO-Central Luzon Director Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon lauded the efforts of the 4,000 policemen deployed to secure the region during the holiday season.

“I commend the entire Central police force for a job well done, putting aside their personal convenience and comfort in exchange for a peaceful, safe and injury-free holiday celebration. I would like also to thank our public for their continuous cooperation with us which immensely contributed to safe merriment,” he said.