Basilan province has recorded zero firecracker or pyrotechnic-related incidents during the New Year’s revelry welcoming the year 2026, officials said Thursday.
The province includes Lamitan City and the towns of Akbar, Al-Barka, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Hadji Muhtamad, Lantawan, Maluso, Sumisip, Tabuan Lasa, Tipo-Tipo, Tuburan, and Ungkaya Pukan.
“At the peak of the traditional year-end celebrations, no injuries or incidents linked to firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices were documented in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)-governed localities of Basilan,” Col. Cerrazid Umabong, provincial police director, said in a statement.
Isabela City, although part of Basilan, now falls under the area of responsibility of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) after voting no for inclusion in the BARMM during the 2019 regional plebiscite.
Basilan province is under the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR).
Umabong said Basilan province also maintained “overall peace” throughout the Yuletide season, with no untoward incidents reported.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman recognized the efforts of security forces that made this possible, commending Umabong and Brig. Gen. Frederick Sales, commander of the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade.
“Their hard work ensured our residents could celebrate the holiday season safely and peacefully, without disruption or harm,” Hataman said in a separate statement.
He credited the successful outcome to coordinated security and the Basileños’ cooperation, showing festive traditions can be enjoyed safely. (PNA)