Txt 2920 to report trigger-happy revelers

Philippine National Police chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. urged the public yesterday to help arrest people who may indiscriminately fire their weapons on New Year’s Eve by reporting them through the PNP TXT 2920 text messaging service.

The TXT PNP 2920 aims to tap the country’s 14 million cell phone subscribers in the fight against crime and terrorism, Ebdane said.

"The TXT PNP 2920 is not only for rogue cops. The system can also be used to fight terrorism and report policemen who will fire their guns indiscriminately during the holidays," he said.

To report to the police, simply text "PNP <space> message" and send to 2920.

With the TXT PNP 2920 program, people can be sure of prompt police action on tips, complaints and suggestions, Ebdane said.

He said the public may also report abusive, impolite, corrupt and undesirable policemen through TXT PNP 2920.

The public may also e-mail their complaints, suggestions and tips to [email protected] and craivc@info. com.ph. as part of the "E-mail Your PNP" service.

Ebdane said the services are only two of the programs in the PNP’s package of "Christmas presents" to the public.

He announced the two programs as he tapped security guards all over the country to help monitor the peace and order situation in the country.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Valenzuela, acting director of the Police Community Relations Group, said the security guards can help the PNP in the maintenance of peace and order by remaining vigilant in their respective jurisdictions.

The PNP Security Agency and Guards Supervision Division (SAGSD) said security guards can help the police maintain peace and order this coming New Year’s Eve by reporting policemen or soldiers illegally firing their guns.

At the same time, SAGSD chief Senior Superintendent Raul Bacalzo warned that security guards who illegally fire their service firearms will face criminal charges.

For his part, Director Ricardo de Leon, chief of the Directorate for Police Community Relations, said the SAGSD will not hesitate to revoke the licenses of security guards who indiscriminately fire their weapons on New Year’s Eve.

"The PNP is not only after policemen who would fire indiscriminately during the New Year revelry. It is also keeping a tight watch on security guards with issued firearms," De Leon said.

De Leon said Ebdane has implemented a package of "Christmas presents," particularly the TXT PNP 2920 and the "E-mail your PNP" programs, to the public.

"The PNP hopes to encourage the public to participate in the PNP’s fight against rogue cops, criminality and terrorism through the reports that would be sent through text messaging and e-mail," De Leon said.

He also urged the public to observe safety precautions on New Year’s Eve by using the firecracker zones established in their respective barangays to avoid injuries to persons and properties.

De Leon reiterated the call of Ebdane that barangay officials should ensure that such firecracker zones are far from high-tension wires and other power lines.

He said a safety officer should also be designated in every barangay to ensure the safety of residents.

BF chief warns vs carelessness

Meanwhile, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) director Chief Superintendent Francisco Senot warned against carelessness and irresponsibility during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

"Fireworks and pyrotechnics have become part of our traditional celebration of Christmas and the New Year. But they must be used to enhance the celebration, not to mar it with bodily injuries and worst, unnecessary fires that may kill and disfigure people and raze property to ashes," Senot said.

He also warned the public against making improvised fireworks.

"Let us leave this to the experts. Better, let us buy fireworks only from reliable outlets of licensed fireworks makers. However, the best option is to refrain from buying fireworks and to use the money to buy more food for noche buena or presents for the family," he said.

Senot said over 100 Filipinos die in home fires while thousands more suffer from burn injuries every year, aside from the loss in property.

Senot said he has inspected major fire stations over the weekend in Metro Manila to ensure their preparedness during the New Year’s Eve revelry.