PNP: New Year celebration 'peaceful' despite stray bullets, illegal firecrackers

The celebration of the New Year was “generally and relatively peaceful” despite reports of stray bullet incidents and illegal firecrackers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

At a televised public briefing, PNP Public Information Office chief Police Colonel Redrico Maranan said the public observed the occasion in a more peaceful and safe manner.

“Ang atin pong overall assessment sa pagsalubong  po ng ating mga kababayan sa Bagong Taon ay generally and relatively peaceful po,” he said.

(Our overall assessment of the celebration of New Year is that it was generally and relatively peaceful.)

According to Maranan, there were no reports of major incidents that disrupted the celebration.

However, he said two people were reported injured due to stray bullets. The suspects were already arrested.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said a total of three incidents of indiscriminate firing were recorded during the New Year revelries.

“Maliban po dito sa insidente sa Occidental Mindoro, may dalawa pa po tayong naitalang insidente po ng indiscriminate firing,” Fajardo said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

(Aside from the incident in Occidental Mindoro, we recorded two more incidents of indiscriminate firing.)

One incident was reported in Quezon City involving a member of the Philippine Coast Guard and another in Iloilo involving a civilian.

Earlier, the PNP reported a case of indiscriminate firing in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

According to the PNP, the suspects in these three incidents were already arrested and they underwent inquest proceedings for indiscriminate discharge of firearms under Republic Act No. 11926.

Meanwhile, Fajardo said 36 persons were arrested due to alleged possession, use, and sale of illegal firecrackers.

A total of 86,801 firecrackers worth over P2.7 million have been confiscated, she added.

Under Republic Act No. 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices), violators will face a fine up to P30,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both at the discretion of the court. Their license and business permit will also be canceled and their stocks will be confiscated. —KG, GMA Integrated News