Manila, Jan. 2 -- Police authorities in Eastern Visayas reported zero deaths and no major firecracker- or firearm-related incidents during the New Year celebration, highlighting the effectiveness of intensified security operations across the region.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas) said that as of 6 a.m. on Jan. 2, no fatalities were recorded, although 14 people sustained minor injuries from firecrackers.

A total of 43 individuals were also arrested for violating local ordinances related to the firecracker ban.

PRO-8 noted that there were no reported fire incidents caused by pyrotechnics, as well as no cases of indiscriminate firing or stray bullets during the festivities.

The outcome followed the deployment of hei...