Security guards warned vs indiscriminate firing at Christmastime

A private security guard wears a Santa Claus hat at a parking lot of a shopping mall in Makati city on December 23, 2004. (File photo from AFP / JOEL NITO)

MANILA, Philippines — Security guards who will be caught indiscriminately firing their guns during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations will face arrest and will be penalized.

This warning comes from Philippine National Police – Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA).

The memorandum for this purpose was signed by PNP-SOSIA acting chief Brigadier General Gregory Bogñalbal on December 11.

It was released to the media on Thursday.

In particular, security guards were warned against indiscriminate firing, which has previously led to serious physical injuries or, worse, deaths after victims were hit by stray bullets.

Citing police records, the memorandum said the alert was prompted by incidents involving armed guards who caused troubles, commotions, alarms, and scandals.

PNP-SOSIA warned such actions violate the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Violation of this law is punishable by eight to ten years of imprisonment, as stated under Revised Penal Code.

Moreover, security personnel who will commit offenses might also face revocation or cancellation of their ‘license to exercise security profession’ (LESP) “without prejudice to the filing of a criminal case against them,” the document stated.