Police spike own guns ahead of holiday

POLICE officers in Manila yesterday taped over the barrels of their guns as a warning against the indiscriminate firing of weapons during New Year celebrations.

The taping on the muzzle was signed by a superior officer as a warning against illegal discharge of the weapon during holiday celebrations.

“We are doing this … to send a strong message to policemen, soldiers and gun owners, and to help the government bring down casualties and injuries during the revelries,” police chief Nicanor Bartolome said.

Army spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said superior officers of soldiers engaged in indiscriminate firing would be subject to investigation and potential punishment.

“Punishment can range from admonition to reprimand, to demotion, non-promotion, and that could also be a ground for dismissal or discharge from the service,” said Burgos.

He added that soldiers do not take their weapons home, but rather deposit them in an armory when not on duty.

Bartolome said the taping of police guns did not mean they would not be on duty during the holidays.

“Alert status will remain in areas with fragile peace and order situations, especially in the Mindanao regions,” he said.

Hundreds of people are injured each year by firecrackers and stray bullets during Christmas and New Year celebrations in the Philippines.

Report from ucanews.com