PNoy lauds PNP for New Year work

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its efforts and for reducing the casualties during the New Year celebrations.

“Congratulations and please pass the JOB WELL DONE to all. HAPPY NEW YEAR," Aquino's text message to PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez read.

Aquino cited Health Secretary Janette Garin’s report that only 384 medical emergency cases were recorded by the Department of Health on New Year ’s Day. This was 57 percent lower than the five-year average and 54 percent lower than the recorded cases last year, according to Aquino.

Garin added in her report that DOH hospitals performed only nine amputations and noted zero cases of firecracker ingestion.

Like Aquino, Garin recognized the significant lowering of number of firecracker-related injuries for the effective law enforcement of PNP against prohibited firecrackers.

 “The confiscations done by PNP helped a lot,” Garin said.

Marquez then extended Aquino’s congratulations to all PNP units down the line thru an official SMS sent out by the National Operations Center to all PNP regional, provincial and municipal police stations and precincts on duty.

Aquino earlier ordered the PNP to strictly prohibit dangerous firecrackers and indiscriminate firing of guns nationwide during the holiday season.

Based on reports gathered by the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, there are nine persons arrested for alleged indiscriminate firing of guns at the height of the Christmas and New Year festivities while there are 22 persons arrested for possession and sale of prohibited firecrackers.

On the other hand, PNP confiscated P 1,127,629 worth of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Aside from law enforcement, the PNP also launched a massive public information awareness and drive to support the DOH campaign against prohibited firecrackers through the help of Directorate for Police Community Relations under Director Wilfredo Franco and the Public Information Office under Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor. The authorities also conducted surprise inspection on establishments selling fireworks to help minimize the casualties.

To intensify the campaign against prohibited firecrackers and indiscriminate use of firearms, the PNP urged the public to post or upload videos and pictures of persons who used firearms in celebration of New Year in social media or report the violators to the nearest police station for immediate investigation and action.