• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) reported seven deaths in 558 road crash incidents across the region from Dec. 21, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026.
Negros Occidental topped the list with 328 incidents, followed by Negros Oriental, 152; Siquijor, 66; and Bacolod City, 12.
About 80 percent of the victims were not using road safety devices, with almost 29 percent were under the influence of liquor,
DOH-NIR Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos said.
The victims’ ages range from 21 to 30 years old, and abrasions comprise the majority of reported injuries.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office (PRO-NIR) reported that continued law enforcement operations amid yuletide celebrations yielded significant gains.
These included the arrest of 91 drug suspects, 101 wanted persons, and 34 individuals involved in illegal gambling, and confiscation of 37 loose firearms.
In a statement, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of PRO-NIR, commended both police personnel and the public for their cooperation and discipline during the holiday season.
“The generally peaceful New Year celebration in the Negros Island Region is a clear manifestation of our police officers’ dedication and the strong cooperation of our communities. This positive outcome reflects our collective commitment to safety, discipline, and responsible celebration,” Ibay said.| GB
