The New Year celebration in the Davao Region was tainted with firearm incidents amid Police Regional Office 11’s (PRO 11’s) reminder of responsible firearm use for a safe and peaceful celebration.
A mother expressed her anger through a post on Facebook after her son was hit by a bullet while celebrating the New Year early hour of January 1, 2024 outside their house in Hijo, Maco, Davao de Oro.
In a Facebook post, Yam Yam posted “Shout out Hijo, Maco Davao de Oro. Kung kinsa man ang tag iya aning saag na bala nakaigo sa abaga sa akong anak, sir, naa kay pamilya unta gihunahuna nimo nga what if isa sa imong pamilya maigo ang saag nga bala, unsa kaha bation nimo? Bago ka nagpahambog nga naa kay armas kay mao imong gipaboto sugat sa bag-ong tuig. Pasalamat na lang mi kay sa abaga lang natunong ug simbako sa ulo, unsaon na lang?”
The victim was hit on his shoulder and was immediately brought by his family at Davao Regional Medical Hospital in Tagum City and later released from hospital after treatment.
The Maco Police Station is currently conducting thorough investigation of the incident.
It can be recalled that Police Brigadier General Alden Delvo of PRO 11 reminded about the zero tolerance for indiscriminate firing during the holidays.
“As a disciplined organization and police Dabawenyos, I am holding each PNP member accountable for his/her actions against indiscriminate firing. We vow to impose the highest penalty against personnel committing such infractions. We likewise warn all gun owners and the general public that the PNP will hit hard on those who will commit this violation during the holiday celebration. Together, let’s ensure responsible firearm use for a peaceful celebration.” he said.
PRO 11 has imposed a one-strike policy on all station and unit commanders in the Davao Region if they fail to resolve within 36 hours recorded incidents will result in deaths due to the illegal discharge of firearms on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
“Naa na’y directive nga “one strike policy” at all levels sa PNP sa mga commanders kung naay mahitabo nga namatay due to illegal discharge of firearms kung dili nila ma solve within 36 hours. Isa na siya sa atoang mga ginapa monitor para sa safe and secure ug happy celebration sa Pasko ug pagsugat sa bag-ong tuig 2024,” dela Rey said during the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing last November 29, 2023.
On the other hand, a rookie police officer in Zapanta Subdivision, Barangay Mabuhay, Bansalan, Davao del Sur died after his firearm accidentally discharged on January 1, 2024.
Based on reports of PRO 11, Patrolman Jhaniel Salip Pepito was cleaning his service revolver, a Canik 9mm gun, inside his room when suddenly it went off hitting him in the face.
