By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Police arrested 10 persons due to indiscriminate firing ahead of the New Year’s Eve revelries.
They include seven civilians, a security guard, a police officer from Calabarzon Region and an officer of the Bureau of Corrections in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in an advisory Monday.
The police force recorded 15 cases of indiscriminate firing and four stray bullet incidents on Dec. 16 to 29.
Of the 15 cases of indiscriminate firing, six were from Calabarzon; four from the National Capital Region (NCR); two from Central Visayas; and one each from Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Five civilians were arrested for illegal gun discharge in Calabarzon, while NCR and Central Visayas had one each.
Fajardo said the illegal gun discharges resulted in four injuries, while one was injured by a stray bullet.
As for the cases of stray bullets, three were from NCR while one was from the Zamboanga Peninsula.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil previously ordered all police units across the country to prioritize public safety during the New Year celebrations.
“We have mobilized our police units to maintain peace and order during New Year celebrations and ensure the safety of travelers heading home. Coordination with government agencies and local traffic management offices is key to managing the movement of people and vehicles effectively during this busy season,” he said in a statement.
The PNP chief assured the public of the police’s preparedness to provide first aid for firecracker-related injuries and respond to fire incidents in collaboration with local fire protection units.
Marbil likewise issued a stern warning against unsafe practices such as burning tires and blocking roads, which hinder emergency response efforts.
“These acts pose serious risks to public safety and obstruct the movement of emergency vehicles. Anyone caught engaging in such activities will face appropriate sanctions,” he said.
He reminded the public about the dangers of firecrackers and encouraged a safe and responsible celebration in welcoming the new year. (PNA)
