Cops who fire guns in New Year revelry will be terminated

SILENT WEAPON. A police officer tapes the nozzle of a pistol at the National Capital Regional Police Office in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011. The Philippine National Police is working to thwart the traditional celebratory gunfire during New Year's revelry that injures or kills several Filipinos each year. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines— Trigger-happy police officers who fire their guns during New Year’s Eve merrymaking will be summarily dismissed from the service, the Philippine National Police said on Tuesday. Civilians who fire their guns face penalties as well.

PNP Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome said he ordered police stations around the country to strictly enforce a rule prohibiting police officers from discharging their firearms to greet the new year.

“On top of the criminal charges [they will face], on the administrative side, I want these policemen to be discharged. They have to be dismissed immediately from the police service,” he said.

“What they’re doing has nothing to do with their job. Not only do they put others in harm’s way, they violate specific laws, and therefore they should be dismissed immediately from the service,” Bartolome told reporters.

The PNP chief led the annual muzzle-taping of firearms of police officers at Camp Crame, a gesture aimed at assuring the public that the 140,000-strong police force would refrain from firing their guns in the Dec. 31, 2011-Jan. 1, 2012 revelry.

Among the causes of death or injury on New Year’s Eve are stray bullets, along with accidents involving firecrackers. Many Filipinos believe that making noise to signal the start of the year will bring them good fortune.

“It’s only a reminder. It’s not that we do not trust our policemen but it’s because we want them to be reminded always,” Bartolome said.

The muzzles of guns were sealed with masking tape and signed by each policeman using a pen.

As for private gun owners, Bartolome warned that they face cancellation of their license and permit-to-carry if they are found to have indiscriminately fired their guns.

“This serves as a warning not only to our police officers but also everyone who owns a gun,” he said.