NCRPO targets zero stray bullet cases for New Year

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office  is aiming for zero incidents of stray bullets and indiscriminate firing during the upcoming New Year revelry, a police official said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde has also partnered with local government officials to establish firecracker zones to reduce the number of firecracker injuries.

The NCRPO remains on heightened alert during the holidays.

“We will continue to intensify police visibility, especially this coming New Year celebration. We will even double our effort to maintain peace and order as we also aim for zero stray bullet and indiscriminate firing incidents. This is a no-no for our personnel. Anyone who violates will be dealt with accordingly,” Albayalde said.

From Dec. 16, 2016 to Jan. 5, the NCRPO recorded six indiscriminate firing incidents with four victims wounded, six stray bullet incidents with one dead and two wounded, 172 firecracker injuries and five fire incidents.

As of yesterday, Police Officers 1 Arnold Sabillo Jr., of Rodriguez, Rizal police and Marbin Jay Allan Pagulayan of the Manila Police Disrict were arrested for indiscriminate firing and at least five persons were hurt in firecracker blasts.

Drunk guard arrested

Meanwhile, a drunk security guard was arrested for indiscriminate firing in Quezon City on Monday.

Ricardo Paed, 40, was apprehended after he fired his service firearm along Saint William street in Barangay Immaculate Conception at around 5:45 p.m., said Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, Quezon City Police District director.

Police confiscated from Paed a .38 caliber revolver with three bullets. A bullet casing was found in the handgun’s chamber.

Paed tested positive for alcohol on his breath during a medical examination.

He underwent inquest proceeedings on charges of indiscriminate firing and violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, yesterday.

Firecracker zones

According to Albayalde, the local government units in Metro Manila have started identifying designated firecracker zones where residents can light their firecrackers and pyrotechnics in a bid to reduce casualty figures this year’s celebration.

The NCRPO chief urged the public to support their designated firecracker zones endeavor as he called on parents to keep their children within sight to keep them safe from harm.

“Let us make sure no child will lose a finger. This season is supposed to be for them to enjoy,” he said.