PNP encourages public to report indiscriminate firing amid New Year revelry

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday advised the public to report to authorities in case they will hear a gunshot amid the New Year celebration.

Interviewed on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said the citizens can send the report to police stations and units.

“Pinapamahagi po ng commanders sa bawat unit lalong-lalo na sa mga istasyon, pati na rin sa PNP command center na mag-send ng text message upang agarang maaksyunan ng ating kapulisan,” he said.

According to Usana, the PNP leadership decided not to seal the muzzles of the firearms of the police because they trust their members.

However, Usana urged the PNP members to have discipline in using their guns. He also encouraged the public to take a video of police officers who will act inappropriately during the New Year revelry.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that police directors and unit commanders will decide whether to seal the gun muzzles of cops this holiday season.

Citing data from the PNP, the DILG said three stray bullet incidents were recorded during last year’s holiday season from December 16, 2019 to January 1, 2020.

As of Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that a 7-year-old boy was injured due to a stray bullet.—AOL, GMA News