2 cops, 29 others nabbed for indiscriminate firing during holidays

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two of its members and 29 others for indiscriminate discharge of firearms from December 16 last year to January 5, 2025.

Based on PNP’s Ligtas Paskuhan (Safe Christmas) data released on Monday, authorities recorded 37 cases of indiscriminate firing. According to these records, 39 individuals were involved, 31 were arrested, and eight others remain at large.

READ: Cop, 9 others arrested for indiscriminate firing

Of the 31 cases, 10 arrests were made in Calabarzon, followed by the National Capital Region with five; three each in the Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao regions; two each in the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions; and one each in the Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas regions

The breakdown of arrests includes two PNP personnel, one member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, one member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, one Bureau of Corrections personnel, one security guard, and 25 civilians.

The police force likewise confiscated 21 firearms from these individuals.

Stray bullet cases

Aside from the number of arrests, the PNP also monitored 18 stray bullet cases, mostly in Metro Manila.

Of these cases, one resulted in death, while 10 others were injured. The fatality was recorded in the Davao Region, while the injuries occurred in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

READ: PH’s damaged gun culture