At least 22 individuals sustained injuries in Cotabato province, southern Philippines, when a grenade exploded in a residential area. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday as residents were welcoming the New Year along the national highway in Matalam town. Witnesses reported that two men on a motorcycle threw the grenade at the crowd before fleeing the scene.
The injured victims were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Authorities have not disclosed the condition of the victims as investigations and a manhunt for the suspects are underway. Security measures have been heightened in the area to prevent similar occurrences while police collaborate with local officials and the community to apprehend the perpetrators.
Following the recent deaths of two soldiers in explosions from anti-personnel landmines in Camarines Sur province, the Philippine army has intensified its pursuit of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. The NPA, active since 1969, aims to overthrow the government and operates predominantly in rural regions across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Despite a significant decrease in its numbers, the NPA’s current strength is estimated at around 1,000 fighters, down from a peak of approximately 25,000 in the mid-1980s.
In a separate development, the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines reported a 42% decrease in firework-related injuries during the Christmas and New Year celebrations compared to the previous year. Between December 21, 2025, and January 1, 2026, 235 firework-related injuries were recorded, a notable drop from the 403 cases reported during the same period in the previous year. The DOH cautioned that the figures may change as surveillance continues until January 5.
