Manila, Dec. 28 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday called on barangay officials across the country to help ensure that New Year's Day celebrations will be "incident-free."

"Barangay leaders are at the forefront of ensuring that local festivities remain incident-free. We urge them to be proactive in safeguarding their constituents, especially against the use of illegal firecrackers and even firearms during [the] New Year celebration," acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

At the same time, he reiterated his appeal to desist from using firecrackers in welcoming the new year.

Data from the Department of Health showed that 91 firecracker victims were reported from Dec. 21 to 27, including ...