MANILA: Police have arrested 10 individuals in connection with indiscriminate firing incidents ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, according to a statement by Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to Philippines News Agency, the detained individuals include seven civilians, a security guard, a police officer from the Calabarzon Region, and an officer of the Bureau of Corrections in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Between December 16 and 29, the police recorded 15 cases of indiscriminate firing and four incidents involving stray bullets. Of these, six cases occurred in Calabarzon, four in the National Capital Region (NCR), two in Central Visayas, and one each in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Five civilians were apprehended for illegal gun discharge in Calabarzon, with one arrest each in NCR and Central Visayas. The illegal gun discharges resulted in four injuries, while a stray bullet injured another person. The cases involving stray bullets were predominantly from NCR, with three incidents, and one from the Zamboanga Peninsula.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has tasked all police units across the country with prioritizing public safety during New Year's 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," Marbil stated.
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. Additionally, Marbil 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 also reminded the public about the dangers of firecrackers and encouraged a safe and responsible celebration in welcoming the new year.
