The regional office of the Philippine National Police warned anew against indiscriminate firing of guns in welcoming the New Year even as it appealed to law enforcers and private individuals to cooperate in achieving “zero casualties.” .
“We want zero casualties caused by the illegal discharge of firearms and indiscriminate firing during the New Year celebration,” said Deputy Regional Director for Administration of PRO 11 PSSupt. Marcelo Morales.
In a press conference, Morales revealed a directive from PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa that ordered all police officers nationwide to conduct patrols in the streets and to strictly implement the campaign against indiscriminate firing from 5 pm on December 31 to 5 am on January 1.
Likewise, Morales noted dela Rosa’s directive to the policemen to immediately knock on the door of anyone involved in indiscriminate firing and if refused entry, devise means to get inside the house.
The police officials have also been reminded to perform their duty and make sure that no incidents of indiscriminate firing will happen in their areas of responsibility in welcoming the New Year.
Morales assured that he would have “no mercy” on policemen and private individuals who would fire their guns indiscriminately in welcoming the New Year.
He stated that he would make sure that administrative cases or grave misconduct charges would be filed against those who would violate the directive aside from dismissal from the service.
“Persons found guilty of random gun-firing will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
However, it can be recalled that the PNP for the first time broke its annual tradition of sealing the cops’ gun muzzles to prevent indiscriminate firing in the holiday revelries.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief SSupt. Michael John Dubria, for his part, said the public needs to give the police the trust as the organization is still in the war against illegal drugs aside from following the directive from the national headquarters.
Dubria added that the officers have to show to the community that the police are the ones responsible enough in handling their service firearms and will only use them in legitimate police operations.
“We need the trust and confidence of the community, so we will also give the cops the trust to use their service firearms responsibly,” Dubria further said.
