Guns taped for the New Year

CEBU, Philippines - After over a week of delay, the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 7 finally had their yearly taping of gun muzzles in preparation for the New Year.

PRO-7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. headed the activity together with the directorial staff at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr., Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.

After the activity, Garbo clarified that though the guns were taped, this does not mean that they could not use their firearms if needed.

He said that when a policeman needs to use his gun, it should be at the right time and circumstance while in duty.

 “Kahit naka tape, they can still use their firearm while on duty,” he said.

Once a policeman has fired his firearm, he should immediately report the incident to his superior and be ready to undergo a tedious investigation.

The director also stressed that the policeman will undergo summary proceedings to prove whether the act was justified.

If the policeman will be found guilty, he will be dismissed from the force for gross misconduct and for violating direct orders from the Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome.

Garbo said that the activity was a way for them to show their sincerity in joining the public in the celebration of a peaceful New Year.

“This is a confidence building effort to the public,” he said, adding that policemen should tape all their guns may these be government issued or privately owned.

Sr. Supt. Louie Oppus, PRO-7 Deputy for Operations, is strictly campaigning for the implementation of the policy and warned the police that they would not hesitate to kick violators out.

He also clarified that policemen who would carry their guns while in civilian clothing should bring with them their permit to carry firearms outside residence.

After the muzzle taping at the Police Regional Office-7, Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Cebu Provincial Police Office director, also followed the same at the CPPO quadrangle yesterday morning.

Comendador said he also directed all chiefs of the 50 police stations in Cebu province to personally tape the muzzles of their personnel’s firearms.

He added that he will not tolerate his personnel who will be firing indiscriminately. – (FREEMAN)