Roxas orders police to ensure ‘safe,’ ‘peaceful’ New Year

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the Philippine National Police to beef up its security measures and increase its presence amid the rising number of victims of stray bullets and firecrackers days before the country welcomes the New Year.

He also urged the people to do their part and celebrate New Year as “safely and as peacefully as possible.”

Upon his orders, the 150,000-strong PNP went on heightened alert ‎on December 16, increasing police visibility in places of convergence nationwide including malls, transport terminals and public places.

“Ito (safety) ang ating pamasko sa taumbayan (Safety is our Christmas gift to the people.),” Roxas told high-ranking officials of the PNP in a command conference.

But as of Monday, the PNP has already recorded 10 cases of stray bullet incidents. Although there were no deaths, eight individuals were hit by stray bullets.

In a press briefing, Senior Superintendent Robert Po, PNP deputy spokesperson, said the eight victims were not seriously injured.

In Lumban, Laguna, a jailguard was reportedly arrested after firing his gun. The firearm’s bullet hit a seven-year-old.

‎Muzzles of the service firearm of all policemen have been taped to prevent cases of indiscriminate firing amid holiday revelries.

Last week, PNP head Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina said that they would strictly enforce the penalties for violators of Republic Act no. 7138 providing the control and regulation of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.

The PNP, led by Civil Security Group head Director Melito Mabilin, will inspect stores selling firecrackers in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday afternoon.

As of the latest count, a total of 16,021 banned firecrackers worth an estimate of P10,593 have been confiscated by the authorities.

Among those seized were Super Lolo, Thunder/Atomic/Big Trianggulo, ‎Goodbye Philippines, Watusi, Picollo, Mother Rockets, Pillbox, Boga, Big Judah’s Belt, Big Bawang, Kwiton, and Kabasi.

RELATED STORIES

Child hit by stray bullet in Laguna

PNP records six stray bullet victims days before New Year’s Eve