THE PNP yesterday said the New Year revelry was generally peaceful even as it reported three incidents of indiscriminate firing of firearms that injured two persons.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, PNP Public Informational Office chief Col. Redrico Maranan said New Year celebrations throughout the country were “safe” and “peaceful.”
“Based on our overall assessment, the New Year celebration was generally and relatively peaceful. People were able to celebrate New Year peacefully and safely,” said Maranan.
He said the PNP will continue to be on full alert until January 6. The PNP declared the highest state of alert last December 15 to ensure the safety of the people during the Yuletide season.
He said the PNP has not monitored any major incidents last December 31 and January 1, except for three cases of indiscriminate firing of firearms in Quezon City, Manila, and Iloilo.
One person was injured in Quezon City and the other one in Manila.
The Quezon City Police District identified the suspect behind the indiscriminate firing in the city as Ferdinand Bagundol, 40, a member of the Philippine Coast Guard and a resident of Barangay Kaligayahan, Quezon City.
Bangudol, who was under the influence of liquor, was nabbed by patrolling policemen on the night of December 31 after indiscriminately firing his pistol. His victim, who has yet to be identified, was brought to the East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.
Maranan said the suspects in Manila and Iloilo were also arrested.
“Two incurred minor injuries and the people behind these (indiscriminate firing) were arrested,” said Maranan.
Maranan said Patrolman Loreto Padual Abrio of the 145th Special Action Company, 14th Special Action Force, was also caught indiscriminately firing his firearm last December 30 while under the influence of liquor in Bagabag, Nueva Viscaya.
Abrio was relieved and now faces criminal and administrative charges. Abrio’s commanding officer, Capt. John Louise Pacres, was also relieved pending further investigation on the incident.
Maranan said the incident in Nueva Viscaya is not considered as part of the New Year revelry, stressing that it occurred on December 30.
“It’s (related to) drunkenness. What we’re counting as (New Year-related indiscriminate firing incidents) are those that occurred on December 31 and January 1, involving firearms used as a noise-making device,” said Maranan.
Maranan could not immediately say if the number of incidents of indiscriminate firing of firearms and the number of injured during the New Year’s celebration was higher or lower compared to the previous year.
Maranan said he will have to check data from the PNP directorate for operations to determine if the numbers were higher compared to the previous New Year celebration.
Maranan said the PNP arrested 42 people involved in the sale of illegal firecrackers, adding they were subsequently charged in court. He said P2.4 million worth of illegal firecrackers were also seized.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said it has recorded 10 fires caused by fireworks and firecrackers during the New Year celebration throughout the country.
BFP spokeswoman Superintendent Annalee Atienza said the number was higher compared to the previous year but did not give comparative data.
Atienza attributed the increase to the excitement of people to light fireworks and firecrackers, with COVID-19 restrictions having been eased.
Atienza said most of these fires were caused by “kwitis,” a form of explosive fireworks that is fired into the air.
