Mandaue City in Cebu has successfully concluded its holiday and New Year celebrations with a remarkable safety record. The city reported zero firecracker-related injuries and no major crimes during the festive period leading up to January 1, 2026.
Police Strategy and Public Cooperation Key to Success
The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) announced the positive outcome, attributing the peaceful atmosphere to a multi-faceted approach. According to MCPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Mercy Villaro, the celebrations were "generally peaceful" with no incidents tied to fireworks or firecrackers.
Villaro explained that a comprehensive security plan was implemented, which involved deploying police personnel to strategic locations throughout Mandaue City. This visible police presence was a major deterrent to potential trouble.
Oplan Bandilyo and Strict Ordinance Enforcement
The police deployment was complemented by Oplan Bandilyo, a public information campaign. This initiative continuously reminded residents about essential safety protocols and local laws through community announcements.
These efforts were strengthened by close coordination with the Mandaue City Government, particularly in enforcing Executive Order 2025-071. This executive order strictly regulates the sale and use of pyrotechnic devices. It limits transactions to authorized vendors and designates specific selling zones to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Heightened Public Discipline and Awareness
Lt. Col. Villaro highlighted a noticeable improvement in public behavior. She stated that the people of Mandaue City demonstrated greater discipline and responsiveness to official safety reminders during the festivities.
"It was observed that the people of Mandaue City have become more disciplined and responsive to the reminders of authorities, which shows increased public awareness and cooperation," Villaro said. This community-wide compliance played a crucial role in the incident-free holiday.
The MCPO views this successful season as a clear reflection of an effective partnership. The collaboration between law enforcement, the local government unit, and the community itself proved to be a winning formula for safety and peace in Mandaue City.
