PNP: Non-taping of gun muzzle has nothing to do with war on drugs

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday clarified that the non-taping of police gun muzzles this holiday season was not made to tolerate killings related to the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Ang performance po ng pulis, kapag kakailanganin niya 'yung lethal weapon, pwede po niyang magamit 'yung baril. Hindi po konektado 'yung hindi po natin paglalagay ng masking tape doon sa ating mga baril doon sa campaign natin against drugs,” PNP Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos said in an Unang Balita interview on Wednesday.

Carlos added that Oplan Tokhang will continue even during the holiday season.

According to Director Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, head of the PNP Directorate for Operations, it was PNP chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa who issued the order.

“It’s a directive from the chief PNP last command conference. This is to show the people that the PNP is a disciplined and trusted organization. In that case, it does not need muzzle taping,” Cascolan said in a text message. 

Carlos said there have been a few cases of indiscriminate firing involving the police before, but the PNP does not tolerate them.

“Hindi natin tinotolerate 'yan. May mga pulis tayong naparusahan dahil nga po after investigation, napatunayan na sila ay nagpaputok ng kanilang baril. The case of illegal discharge of firearms na charge na naisampa laban sa kanila at meron silang administratibong kaso din,” Carlos said.

Public can report

Despite this, Carlos urged the public to remain vigilant and alert the authorities on cases of indiscriminate firing.

“We have our national 911. Immediately our 911 national hotline, mata-tap agad 'yung police station na nakakasakop. At kung gusto niyong confidential naman ay itext sa 2286, Itaga Mo sa B-A-T-O, diretso po sa amin 'yan sa PNP,” Carlos said.

“Importante po kasi when we give information, kumpleto. Anong lugar, anong oras, kung kilala or description, ibigay agad. Kapag nag-aksyon ang pulis, kaya natin siyang kunin with a complete information,” he added. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News