NCRPO: 3 indiscriminate firings recorded; 1 cop involved

The National Capital Region Provincial Office (NCRPO) has logged three indiscriminate firing incidents in Metro Manila where one police officer is involved, spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said Sunday.

“Lahat naman ay arrested ang mga suspek. Isa ang pulis, dalawa ang civilian,” Asilo told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

(All the suspects were arrested, one of whom is a police officer, while the other two are civilians.)

The NCRPO earlier reported that a 28-year-old patrolman assigned to the Maritime Group was arrested for firing his gun in front of three minors while confronting them over noise and the use of firecrackers in Barangay Sun Valley, Parañaque City

Asilo explained that the Philippine National Police (PNP) no longer seals firearms, as it may affect their response time during incidents.

However, she admitted that there are some reckless police officers.

“Wala nang pagseselyo ng baril dahil naniniwala ang aming PNP chief na sapat ang propesyonalismo ng ating mga pulis para umiwas at hindi mag-indiscriminate firing. Pero may ilang pagkakataon na mayroon pa ring mga sumasablay o hindi napipigilan ang kanilang sarili,” Asilo said.

(There will be no more sealing of firearms, as our PNP chief believes that the professionalism of our police is enough to prevent indiscriminate firing. However, there are still some instances where some police officers cannot control themselves.)

Although no threats have been reported in Metro Manila, Asilo said the NCRPO continues to monitor public safety during the New Year celebrations.

Online scams

She added that while reported thefts and robberies have decreased since last year, cases of online scams have climbed.

The public was warned of the five schemes digital scammers use to steal hard-earned savings.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and Scam Watch Pilipinas also listed the top 12 scams of Christmas in the Philippines, with online shopping scams leading the list. —KG, GMA Integrated News