Cops’ guns taped vs illegal firing

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 Director Danilo Constantino yesterday had his men muzzle-tape their firearms to discourage them from illegally discharging their guns during the Christmas and New Year revelries.

He led the ceremonial taping at the regional headquarters, which was also being done in the respective city, town, and provincial headquarters under his command.

Constantino said policemen can still fire their guns if duty calls, like when they are chasing criminals and terrorists. However, they must report the legitimate discharge of their guns to their superiors so they would not be mistakenly punished for firing their guns.

Constantino also reminded all PNP personnel under his command to go to a firing range if they really want to fire their guns.

 â€œIf others really wanted to fire their guns they can go to a firing range where they can consume everything or all bullets in their magazines,” he said.

The PRO-7 chief further said that muzzle taping should not have been done by the police as they are supposedly responsible enough how to use their guns.

Illegally firing a gun, he said, is not how a good police officer should behave.

 â€œI hope our PNP will celebrate the Holiday Season in a simple way, like how we celebrate it in the headquarters,” he said, adding that civilians who have personal firearms should also be responsible enough.

The PNP is on a heightened alert status since Dec. 16 until next year due to the holiday season, with personnel already deployed to different strategic areas.

“Sa Cebu City okay naman….  In metro areas, di naman masyadong tutokan kasi malimit lang ang nagbebenta du’n (we don’t need to really focus on them because there are just few traders there),” he said.

Constantino hopes that there would be no firecracker and stray bullet casualties during Christmas and New Year. (FREEMAN)