Philippines: Trigger-happy gun holders to be charged for celebratory gunfire
Significant drop in firecracker victims noted, police chief says
Manila: Authorities are set to file charges against 16 individuals who fired their guns during the New Year celebrations despite warning from the police.
“As I have promised, there will be no mercy for errant personnel who will fire their guns to celebrate the holidays,” Director General Oscar Albayalde of the Philippine National Police said on Tuesday hours after the New Year celebrations.
Like in most countries, the Philippines welcomes the year with noise and dazzle, but some individuals, out of bravado or possible drunken stupor, fired their guns in celebration. Law enforcers and those authorised to own and carry guns were under strict orders from the police not to fire weapons.
Albayalde said the police will punish those who violated the order including their own ranks.
“Stiff administrative sanctions will be initiated against seven police personnel who figured in 26 separate cases of illegal discharge of firearms during the holiday season,” he said. Among those arrested were two government officials, one soldier, 10 civilians, two security guards and one law enforcement agent, Albaydale said.
During past years, fatalities from celebratory gunfire were reported.
While cases of celebratory gunfire continue despite warnings, Health Secretary Francisco Duque, said a significant drop was noted in the number of injuries due to handling of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.
“We are happy to see a 68 per cent decline in the number of cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) this year compared to last year,” Duque.
He stressed that the 139 FWRIs recorded for this year were much lower compared to the 289 cases last year.
According to Duque, the region with the most number of injuries due to fireworks and pyrotechnics remains the National Capital Region with 53 cases followed by Western Visayas with 26 cases, Central Visayas with 13 cases, and Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) with 10 cases each.
However, he said, this year’s FWRI figures are at a “historic low” compared in previous year.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte issued an Executive Order that restricts the use of firecrackers and community fireworks display areas to minimise the risk of injuries and casualties.