Central Luzon police on Tuesday warned that any officer caught firing a gun during New Year celebrations will face dismissal and criminal charges.
Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), said the “zero-tolerance” policy reflects the seriousness of indiscriminate or celebratory gunfire.
Peñones stressed that all police personnel in the region must observe the highest standards of discipline and professionalism in handling firearms during the holiday season.
“The one-strike policy allows no warnings and no second chances. Personnel found guilty shall face immediate administrative and criminal sanctions, including dismissal from the service,” he added.
As part of broader safety measures, PRO3 officials on Monday oversaw the destruction of thousands of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics seized across Central Luzon.
The ceremonial destruction was conducted with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to ensure proper disposal of the prohibited items, which included kwitis, boga, lolo thunder, Judas’ belt, plapla, tuna, Goodbye Philippines, and giant whistle bombs, totaling over P500,000 in value.
These confiscated materials were collected during police operations and inspections carried out throughout towns and cities in the region.