Police firearms sealed for New Year's celebration

Manila - Firearms belonging to the Metro Manila police force were sealed by Nicanor Bartolome, Director of the National Capital Regional Police Office in a ceremony held at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City this morning.

Each of the 17,000 members of the police force in Metro Manila had their guns sealed as a precautionary measure to prevent indiscriminate firing during this year's New Year's celebration--one of the primary causes of injury and deaths among civilians during this time of the year despite the implementation of a yearly gun ban. The sealing the nozzles of these firearms with a specially designed tape was initially announced to the members of the police force through a memorandum circular released last Friday by Bartolome. According to the said memorandum, the seal must remain on the nozzles of the guns until January 3, 2011. It further states that violators will face either suspension or complete dismissal from the force, depending on the severity of the offense committed. Bartolome is quick to assure the public that the sealing of these firearms will not, in any way, hamper their ability to serve and protect the people against criminals, especially during the New Year. The memorandum also prohibits police officers from using any type of firecrackers or fireworks during the New Year celebrations.