PNP to seal cops' gun muzzels until New Year

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will seal the muzzles of the service firearms of its uniformed personnel nationwide next week as part of its campaign against indiscriminate and illegal discharge of guns by policemen to celebrate the Holidays.

The PNP will stage simultaneous gun-muzzle taping from the National Headqarters down to Police Regional Offices, Provicial Offices, City and Municipal Police Stations nationwide, on Monday, December 22, to assure the public that policemen will not discharge their firearms this yuletide season.

The PNP leadership also reiterated its warning to all government and civilian gunholders to refrain firing their firearms as part of their support to a "gun-free" celebration of Christmas and New Year.

PNP Officer-In-Charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina earlier issued a memorandum to policemen for an intensified campaign against illegal discharge of firearms and indiscriminate firing.

"This traditional gun muzzle is a strong message to all gun owners, especially our policemen and soldiers who are the primary enforcers of the law, to refrain from firing their guns and help prevent casualties and injuries during the revelry of the yuletide," Espina said.

Espina said that intensified intelligence efforts in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other law enforcement agencies, and local government units will be conducted to identify possible violators.

Joint PNP and AFP teams will also be organized to conduct preventive patrols to arrest or apprehend uniformed personnel, members of law enforcement agencies and civilians involved in indiscriminate firing.