MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday called on the public to stay vigilant and report those who would be firing their firearms indiscriminately during the New Year revelry.
PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said the public’s vigilance would help the authorities prevent more stray bullet victims during the celebration or at least help them arrest those who would fire their guns on New Year's Eve.
"Ang kailangan natin dito is the vigilance of the public na kung meron po tayong napapansin agad na meron pong tendencies. Yung mga kapitbahay natin na magpapaputok please have them reported to the police immediately," Purisima said. "Meron po tayong mga malalapit na police stations sa ating mga lugar. Please get their contact numbers."
He also gave his emergency mobile number in case a concerned citizen would want to directly report to them. The number is 09178475757.
He noted that groups having a drinking spree on the streets are more likely to show off and fire their guns during the revelry.
"Kung meron po kayong mga dudang mga kunwari mga nag-iinuman dyan sa kalsada at may tendency magbaril please pakiusap lang po bago mangyari na sila magpapaputok i-report na natin sa pulis para ma-check natin agad. That is the way of preventing the occurrence of illegal discharge of firearms," he said.
Purisima also urged the public to report abusive policemen.
"Kung meron naman po kayong nakikitang mga pulis po na medyo umaabuso, please let me know of these things. You text that to the number and I will have the station commander be responsible of the actions ng mga pulis natin sa nangyayari sa baba," he added.