Non-sealing of gun muzzles sparks fear of intensified bloody drug war, but the Philippine National Police said that foregoing the yearly practice is its way to show that law enforcers can still exercise discipline. AP FILE PHOTO
The Philippine National Police dispelled claims that foregoing the tradition of sealing gun muzzles of policemen was an excuse for law enforcers to summarily execute drug suspects as part of President Duterte’s brutal war on illegal drugs.
PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said “no” when asked at a press briefing if the order of PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to stop the yearly sealing of gun muzzles was part of the police’s intensified anti-drug campaign.
To show that PNP members are “disciplined and responsible enough,” Dela Rosa decided to halt the yearly practice meant to prevent indiscriminate firing during the holiday season.
READ: PNP stops tradition of gun muzzle sealing
At least 5,600 individuals died since President Duterte’s drug war started in July. The PNP tallied 2,086 deaths in its anti-drug operations from July 1 to December 12.
The spokesperson also defended the 160,000-strong police force, saying that based on PNP data, most of the violators were not members of the PNP.
“Hindi lang ho ’yung pulis kundi mas marami po talaga (not only cops but also based) on data that they are coming from irresponsible gun owners or those who own illegal and unlicensed firearms,” he said.
Carlos also reminded the people to report immediately to the authorities cases of illegal discharge of firearms in their communities.
“Ang pinakamgandang (The best) action to stop this is a very vigilant community. Kung may nagkakamali, huwag natin (If there are violators let’s not) tolerate [them],” he said.
He assured complainants that the PNP will keep their identities confidential.
“Confidentially report it to the police and we will make sure the nearest police station will take action…,” he said./ac