DESPITE the absence of a memorandum order from its central headquarters, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has reminded its personnel not to fire their guns during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
Captain Hazel Tuazon, DCPO spokesperson, stated in a recent interview that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has not yet issued a directive to seal the muzzles of service firearms this year. However, officers who fire their weapons indiscriminately during these events will face dismissal or other consequences.
"As of this date, wala ‘tay na-receive nga memorandum from national headquarter nga sap-ongan ang armas sa atong kapulisan (As of today, we have not received a memorandum from national headquarters to confiscate firearms from our police officers),” Tuazon said.
She also said that DCPO City Director Colonel Hansel Marantan has instructed all station commanders to monitor their operations and security personnel to ensure a safe and orderly New Year's celebration.
Earlier this month, PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo explained that the PNP would skip sealing service firearm muzzles this year, believing that police officers are responsible and disciplined enough to refrain from illegal actions.
“It’s been a long while since we stopped the practice of putting tape on firearms because we believe that our police are more responsible and disciplined,” she said in an interview on national media.
Fajardo also reminded local communities to avoid lighting firecrackers in residential areas and instead celebrate in designated community zones.
"Sana makipagtulungan ang ating mga kababayan para sa kaligtasan ng lahat na mayroong mga designated community zone at doon na lang po at makakakita kayo ng magagandang pailaw (We hope our countrymen cooperate for everyone's safety. There are designated community zones where you can enjoy beautiful fireworks)," she added. "Iwasan ang mga pagpapaputok [ng firecrackers] doon sa harap ng kanilang mga bahay at salubungin natin ang Bagong Taon na ligtas po (Avoid lighting firecrackers in front of homes, and let's welcome the New Year safely)." DEF
