GUNS of the 228,000-strong police force won’t be sealed anew this period although the Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed a tougher campaign against indiscriminate firing during the New Year revelries.

“Hindi na po natin ite-tape ang mga baril ng mga pulis. We will leave it to the field commanders and regional directors to make sure na mai-remind with stern warning ang sinumang pulis na gagamit ng baril in any form of revelry,” said PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean S. Fajardo.

Ground commanders also face administrative relief in case they prevent or fail to solve firing of guns in their areas before and during the New Year festivities, the Journal Group learned.

Fajardo explained that since they started veering away from the traditional practice of putting masking tapes on the muzzles of the service firearms of policemen, they have been able to prove that members of the police force are responsible enough.

In 2022, there was no case of indiscriminate firing involving any policeman.

In 2021, there were a total of 25 incidents of illegal discharge of firearms which injured one person and 11 persons injured by stray bullets.

In 2002, there were 26 cases of illegal discharge of guns that left 10 persons wounded and 12 others hurt after being hit by stray bullets.

During the 2023 New Year revelries, police recorded three cases of indiscriminate firing in Iloilo, Manila and Quezon City from December 31, 2022 to January 1, 2023.

As a result, the gun licenses of those involved in the indiscriminate firing cases were revoked.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda warned before the onset of their holiday security operations that criminal liability for indiscriminate firing is further aggravated if the offender belongs to the uniformed services.

The PNP Civil Security Group, headed by Major Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr., and the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office under Brigadier Gen. Roger L. Quezada has been directed by the PNP chief to list those who will violate the law on firearms use.

In 2017, police recorded 22 incidents of stray bullet injuries. On the other hand, 12 persons were arrested by the police for involvement in indiscriminate firing in 2017; 26 in 2018 and 30 in 2019.

PNP officials explained that they veered away from the tradition knowing that foreign tourists in the country are wondering why the guns of policemen patrolling near them are sealed and signed too by the beat officer.

The PNP explained that before, tourists gawked at the site of a cop with a sealed firearm during previous years and the site gave them the wrong impression that policemen are not that disciplined enough compared to the policemen in their country.

Acorda said the entire police force is already on full alert to ensure the operational readiness and preparedness of their men in the field, especially those who will be conducting operations during the holiday period.

Acorda said there will be no mercy to cops and civilians who will be found involved in cases of indiscriminate firing before and during the New Year revelries.

The PNP chief reminded all gun holders of their responsibility not to indiscriminately fire their guns while in revelry and merry-making.

“The full might of the law will be applied to anyone who will fire a gun to celebrate the holidays, much more if the violator belongs to the uniformed services. Dismissal shall be swift,” he declared.

However, he underscored the need for maximum police visibility in the streets. “It is during this time that policemen should be on alert and people should see more cops on the street as it is expected that criminals would go around preying on the public,” Azurin said.