Holiday season largely peaceful amid heightened safety efforts

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Fireworks light up the provincial capitol during the ceremonial holiday switch-on, as residents gather for a festive...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Fireworks light up the provincial capitol during the ceremonial holiday switch-on, as residents gather for a festive yet orderly celebration under heightened safety measures. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Christmas and New Year celebrations across the province concluded in a generally peaceful manner, with reports pointing to orderly public activities, manageable crowds, and improved compliance with safety measures throughout the holiday period. Communities across towns and cities marked the season through religious observances, family gatherings, and community events, with no widespread disturbances or major security incidents recorded.

Quezon Police Provincial Office Director PCol Romulo A. Albacea said the generally calm holiday season reflected effective police deployment, timely response, and strong public cooperation across the province. He noted that sustained visibility patrols and close coordination with local governments and emergency units helped maintain peace and order during peak holiday activities.



Early preparations and close inter-agency coordination played a crucial role in maintaining peace and order during the busy holiday period, according to provincial and municipal public safety offices. Monitoring efforts focused on town centers, transport hubs, and major road networks as travel volume increased and public activities reached peak levels.

Local government units rolled out safety initiatives tailored to their respective communities to complement broader regional enforcement efforts. In Infanta, Quezon, the New Year was marked by a calm celebration that promoted safer alternatives to firecrackers and emphasized community participation in maintaining order.

In Lucena City, post-celebration conditions prompted immediate action after garbage accumulated along major roads following New Year festivities. City sanitation teams carried out cleanup operations and reiterated reminders on responsible waste disposal to reduce flooding and health risks.

Despite the generally peaceful conditions, authorities responded to a serious road accident that occurred on New Year’s Day along the Marilaque Highway in Infanta. A passenger bus reportedly overturned along the highway, resulting in one fatality and several injured passengers who required immediate medical attention, based on incident reports.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, through its head Melchor Avenilla, said emergency responders, police units, and medical teams immediately assisted the victims, transported the injured to nearby hospitals, and secured the accident site to ensure public safety. Responders also managed traffic flow in the area for several hours to prevent secondary incidents and allow rescue and clearing operations to proceed safely.

Albacea said the incident underscored the risks associated with heavy holiday travel, particularly along mountainous and high-risk routes frequently used during peak seasons. He reiterated calls for transport operators and drivers to strictly observe traffic rules, exercise caution, and prioritize road safety at all times.

In the days following the holidays, the local government of Infanta requested regulatory authorities to temporarily halt quarrying activities along the Agus River. The move cited environmental protection and public safety concerns, particularly in light of potential flooding risks during the upcoming rainy season.

Elsewhere in the province, the local government of Real, Quezon renewed its appeal to the Department of Public Works and Highways for urgent repairs to damaged sections of the Famy–Infanta Road. The request followed reports of vehicular accidents during the holiday period, highlighting infrastructure safety as a continuing concern.

Governor Angelina Helen Tan said the provincial government will continue supporting road safety improvements, disaster preparedness programs, and environmental protection initiatives in coordination with local governments. She noted that sustained planning and cooperation among agencies remain essential in protecting communities beyond the holiday season.

While regional police later confirmed a reduction in firecracker-related injuries across CALABARZON, provincial assessments indicated that local preparedness and community discipline also played a key role. Prompt response to incidents, sustained monitoring, and public cooperation helped maintain order throughout the holiday season.

As the province moves into 2026, provincial police and local governments said they will continue strengthening road safety enforcement, environmental safeguards, and disaster risk reduction programs. These efforts aim to protect residents and visitors well beyond the holiday period by strengthening everyday road safety, emergency readiness, and community-based risk reduction throughout the year.