The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded the general public not to use firecrackers in all residential areas during the upcoming holiday celebrations, particularly in welcoming New Year 2025.
“I hope our citizens will cooperate for the safety of all. There are designated community zones, and you will see beautiful lights there,” PNP spokesperson and Public Information Office chief Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said over dzBB television radio.
“Avoid setting off firecrackers in front of their houses and let’s welcome the New Year safely,” she underscored.
Fajardo said the PNP will deploy police officers, especially on the New Year’s Eve, as force multipliers of barangay personnel to ensure that no one sets off fireworks and firecrackers in residential areas to prevent untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, unlike in previous years, the PNP will not seal the tips of firearms issued to police personnel with ‘masking tape’ to prevent cases of indiscriminate firing. Fajardo said they trust the discipline of uniformed personnel this time to behave accordingly.
“We have long stopped practicing taping [the ends] of guns because we believe our police are disciplined,” the PNP spokesperson said. “We continue to remind them that they should not use their guns for any kind of firing. They should only be used for official [missions].”
Fajardo reiterated that police officers who will be caught engaging in acts of indiscriminate firing “will face a serious case that could lead to their dismissal from the service.”
She likewise reminded the public that do-it-yourself noisemakers such as ‘boga’ are prohibited. Parents of minors are also told to watch over their children, who are probably playing with firecrackers.
