AFP warns soldiers against indiscriminate firing on New Year's Eve

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Tuesday reminded soldiers to refrain from using their firearms during the New Year’s Eve revelries amid the rising cases of stray bullet injuries.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla noted that soldiers who disobey military rules on indiscriminate firing would be discharged from the service.

“Soldiers are reminded to observe our regulations against illegal discharge of firearms. Failure to do so could result in separation from the service and cancelation of benefits,” Padilla said in an interview.

Padilla said soldiers and their dependents are also prohibited from using firecrackers inside military camps.

“We have a common fireworks display. We encourage residents inside camps to just go to these areas and attend the thanksgiving Mass,” he said.  

Padilla said members of the military police would conduct rounds to ensure that the regulations against firecrackers and indiscriminate firing are observed.

“Civilians will be booted out of the camp if they violate camp rules. Uniformed personnel who violate the rules will face administrative sanctions,” he added.

Padilla said there is no need to cover the muzzles of the firearms of soldiers as the military already has strict rules against indiscriminate firing.  

He also gave assurance that the military remains on alert during the New Year celebrations to prevent untoward incidents especially in crowded areas. 

The number of firecracker-related injuries rose to 131 as of yesterday, according to the Health department.  A nine-year-old girl was also killed by a stray bullet in Bulacan last Dec. 24. – with Levi Mora