The Philippine National Police has stopped the annual sealing of firearms of its 160,000-strong personnel to prevent indiscriminate firing this holiday season.
PNP chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa ordered the move during a command conference with top-level police officials in Camp Crame, Quezon City to show that they are “disciplined and responsible enough” not to illegally use their guns.
Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, Northern Mindanao police commander, said he would follow the directive and warned policemen violating the order that administrative and criminal charges will be filed against them.
Constantino said foregoing the traditional muzzling of firearms means raising the bar of discipline among his men.
“This is to raise the bar of discipline and promote responsible use of government-issued firearms among the policemen,” said Constantino. (Aaron B. Recuenco)