MANILA, Philippines — A policewoman from Malabon City was arrested after she allegedly fired her handgun indiscriminately during the New Year’s Eve festivities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.
S/Sgt. Karen Borromeo, 39, is facing charges and dismissal from the service for her actions, said PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana.
“She will be facing criminal and administrative sanctions,” Usana said in a press briefing.
A police report said Borromeo fired her handgun in front of her house in Barangay Ibaba at around 7:45 p.m.
Borromeo’s neighbors immediately reported her to the police, who placed her under arrest.
Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, Northern Police District (NPD) director, clarified the incident was brought about by personal problems and not related to the celebration of the New Year.
“She was having an argument with her live-in partner,” he said in a text message.
Usana said they recorded at least 25 cases of indiscriminate firing during the Yuletide season, lower than 41 cases reported in 2019.
One of these incidents took place in Maydalong, Eastern Samar on Dec. 21, wherein Barangay Camparit Councilor Nerie Lira, 48, was arrested and a .45-caliber pistol seized from her.
In Metro Manila, where firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are prohibited, 44 were apprehended during the New Year’s festivities for using firecrackers.
Usana said most were just fined for violating local ordinances.
According to Usana, only the cities of Caloocan and Parañaque have ordinances mandating the police to arrest violators.
Usana said the celebration of New Year was generally peaceful in the country despite the incidents they recorded.
He attributed the peaceful situation to the initiative of local chief executives, especially in Metro Manila, to ban firecrackers.
“We are able to put into place all the necessary public order and safety mechanisms to ensure that our people will be safe during the celebration of the New Year,” Usana said.