Filipinos welcomed 2021 under varying forms of lockdown, with Metro Manila and nine other areas placed under general community quarantine until the end of the month.

The Philippines, which has the second worst outbreak in Southeast Asia, ushered in 2021 under the shadow of the world’s longest lockdown, dampening traditionally upbeat celebrations as authorities fear a post-holiday spike in coronavirus cases.

But while there was a significant reduction in injuries linked to firecrackers, a stray bullet killed a girl from Lanao del Norte.

This, after the communist rebels hinted of reviving teams that targeted police officers, soldiers, government agents and even politicians over "blood debts".

Amid the challenges faced by the country and the entire world this year, Vice President Leni Robredo encouraged Filipinos to unite and share the message of hope this New Year.

A lone bettor from Baguio City won the jackpot in the 6/45 Mega Lotto on Wednesday night.

Over 1,000 families that celebrated Christmas in evacuation centers in Bicol received building materials, tools and cash from the United Nations and its humanitarian partners in time for the New Year.

Filipinos have been urged to patronize local fruits as part of the annual tradition of preparing round fruits during the New Year.

Malacañang has called for respect for domestic policies after the United States enacted a spending law containing a policy that bars entry to foreign government officials who have threatened or wrongfully imprisoned independent journalists.

Seventy-five percent of firecracker-related injuries recorded for the past two weeks occurred at home, the Department of Health said yesterday.