PNP probes 3 cases of indiscriminate firing

FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police

The Philippine National Police is investigating three incidents of indiscriminate firing and a stray bullet case on Christmas Day.“For now, there is no report of indiscriminate firing among the police officers. Although there is a report of an illegal discharge and accidental firing by three civilians on the eve and on Christmas Day itself,” Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, told a press briefing on Monday.

“In the Visayas, we received a report of an alleged victim of a stray bullet and we are looking and investigating the case of illegal discharge of firearms,” she added.

“I am happy to announce that the results of the security for the eve and Christmas Day itself is overall generally peaceful nationwide,” Fajardo said, noting that there were no huge untoward incidents reported, except for vehicular accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.Like in previous years, the PNP did not muzzle the service firearms of police officers with its leadership confident that its personnel were disciplined enough not to indiscriminately fire their guns during the holiday revelries.

Last year, two Philippine Army officers were arrested after firing their service rifles at six civilians, including three minors, in Taguig City.

Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., chief of the PNP, also reported a 31-percent drop in the number of index crimes during this year’s holiday season. INQ

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