The Office of Civil Defense in Region III (OCD-3) has officially downgraded the state of readiness for disaster risk reduction offices across Central Luzon. Effective January 4, 2026, the alert status was moved from blue to white, marking a return to normal conditions as the extended Yuletide celebrations concluded.
Understanding the Alert Level Shift
A blue alert, which had been in effect, represents a heightened state of preparedness. It involves the full mobilization of key government personnel and responders, activation of resources, intensified monitoring, and public calls for vigilance, typically during major events or peak seasons.
In contrast, the newly declared white alert is the lowest readiness level. It indicates an "all-clear" status with no immediate threats, where agencies maintain normal operations while continuing to monitor conditions and stay prepared for any potential incidents.
Basis for the Decision and Official Guidance
The decision was formalized in a memorandum issued by OCD-3 Officer-In-Charge Shelby Ruiz. It was based on National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 01, Series of 2026, and the latest situation reports from provincial, city, and municipal disaster councils.
The memo noted that the holiday period concluded without significant incidents requiring regional intervention. "The event concluded without any significant incidents or untoward occurrences that would require regional intervention and monitoring," the document stated.
However, Ruiz emphasized that member agencies of the Regional DRRMC and all local councils must continue monitoring their respective areas for any related incidents.
Holiday Safety Incidents: Fireworks Injuries in Focus
In a separate report, the OCD-3 provided data on holiday-related injuries. The region recorded a total of 28 fireworks-related injuries during the celebrations.
The breakdown by province is as follows:
- Nueva Ecija: 15 cases
- Pampanga: 8 cases
- Bulacan: 3 cases
- Bataan: 1 case
- Tarlac: 1 case
The injuries were caused by various fireworks and firecrackers, with "five star" (8 cases) and "Boga" (6 cases) being the most common culprits. Other devices involved included kwitis, pla-pla, fountain, bawang, whistle bomb, dragon firecracker, and atomic bomb.
These regional figures contribute to the national tally of 655 fireworks-related injuries monitored by the Department of Health (DOH) from December 21, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Alarmingly, 351 of the victims nationwide were minors aged 16 and below.
Despite the concerning numbers, the DOH reported a positive trend: this year's data shows a 20 percent decrease compared to the same monitoring period in 2024.
The lowering of the disaster alert level to white reflects a successful coordinated effort by disaster management offices to ensure public safety during a high-risk period. It underscores a transition from proactive, event-driven preparedness back to standard vigilance, while the injury statistics highlight an ongoing public safety challenge that requires continued community education and enforcement.
