Military, police warn against indiscriminate firing to greet New Year

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 31 December) — Officials of the military and the police here have warned their personnel not to fire their guns to greet the New Year or face being discharged from the service.

Brig. Gen. Ronel R. Manalo, commander of the Iligan-based 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, said in a phone interview that the prohibition against indiscriminate firing to celebrate the New Year is not just for civilians, but more so in the whole of the Armed Forces “to set an example.”

He said that as “implementors of the law,” it is thus an “aggravation” if military personnel will violate the prohibition to fire guns to greet the New Year.

Manalo noted that quite a number have been discharged from service for violating the policy.

Maj. Zandrex Panolong, spokesperson of the Iligan City Police Office, issued the same warning.

“Police personnel caught indiscriminately firing their guns during the New Year celebration will lose his badge and will be terminated from the service” as ordered by Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police.

The PNP has adopted a “one-strike policy” against personnel found indiscriminately firing their guns.

“Personnel found guilty of indiscriminate firing shall face immediate administrative sanctions and criminal liability in accordance with existing laws, without warning or second chances,” Nartatez said in a PNP Facebook post. “This includes dismissal from the service and the filing of appropriate criminal cases, as warranted,” he added.

“As the nation welcomes the New Year, the PNP calls on all personnel to set the example of responsibility and restraint,” the PNP chief said.

Panolong said that civilians who might be caught of violating the policy will also be facing appropriate charges. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)