MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not seal anew the gun muzzles of its personnel during the holiday season.
“We will give trust to our people, mahirap naman po na di natin pagkatiwalaan ‘yung mga tao natin,” PNP Deputy chief of operations Lieutenant General Camilo Cascolan said at a press briefing.
“Mas maganda nga last year walang muzzle taping pero kokonti o wala nga yatang pulis na namaril o nagpaputok,” he added.
Last year, the PNP did not tape the muzzles of police officers’ weapons which was a practice in the past to discourage cops against discharging their firearms when celebrating the holiday season.
Cascolan, however, warned that a one-strike policy will be applied to police officers who will be involved in indiscriminate firing.
District commanders and chiefs of police will also face charges if they fail to address complaints on indiscriminate firing within 24 hours.
“Even if we would be able to evaluate that the commander has not done interventions and initiatives for our people not to shoot their firearms, they will be filed a case, kakasuhan po natin sila pati ang commander nila for command responsibility,” he said.
Police units nationwide have been placed on full alert status to address safety and security issues and other concerns during the holiday season and the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Around 67,000 police personnel will be deployed at commercial centers, road safety points, places of worship, sea and airport terminals, assistance hubs and community firecracker and display zones.
Local police were also reminded to coordinate with barangay authorities to help monitor and intercept those who will violate the ban on distribution and use of illegal firecrackers.
The PNP will also deploy mobile patrol units to promote police visibility and prevent crime. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Lea Ylagan)
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