QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Despite the Philippine National Police (PNP) stern warning against indiscriminate firing, authorities still recorded a total of 26 incidents from December 16, 2018 to 6:00 a.m. on January 1, 2019.
Based on record of the PNP National Operations Center, out of the said number, 23 people were arrested including 7 cops; 10 civilians; two government officials; one soldiers; two security guards; and a member of another law enforcement agency.
According to PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said, the seven cops will face charges especially if proven that they used their service firearms outside of duty.
“Dismissible from the service iyan kung wala namang sapat na dahilan kung bakit nila ipinutok ang kanilang baril, Illegal discharge of firearms, dismissible from the service iyon. Sinabi naman natin sa kanila iyan. We warned them repeatedly na do not engage in indiscriminate o illegal discharge of firearms,” Albayalde said.
Meanwhile, authorities recorded 14 victims of indiscriminate firing with 7 from the National Capital Region (NCR); one from Cagayan Valley; 5 from Central Luzon; and one from Central Visayas.
No incidents of stray bullets were recorded during the year-end revelry but the PNP noted three from the past three days with each from the National Capital Region (NCR), Davao Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
On the other hand, the PNP chief said the year-end festivities has been generally peaceful this year.
“Sa pangkalahatan basically naging peaceful at there’s a drastic improvement lalo na sa injuries due to firecrackers. Last night, meron lang tayong walo as of this time na nasugatan dahil sa firecrackers at zero incident tayo sa stray bullet incident,” Albayalde said.
Albayalde added that Filipinos have learned their lessons about the dangers of firecrackers as well as the harm of gun firing.
“Talagang pa-improve ng pa-improve ang ating pag-celebrate ng new year particularly when it comes to injuries caused by firearms ang firecrackers,” the PNP Chief concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)
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