MANILA: The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that security guards who will be caught firing their guns indiscriminately for the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities will face arrest and penalties.
In a memoradum dated Dec. 11 released on Thursday, PNP-Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) acting chief Brig. Gen. Gregory Bogñalbal said security personnel who would fire their guns indiscriminately would be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act which is punishable with eight to 10 years of imprisonment under the Revised Penal Code.
Security personnel who would violate the memorandum might also face revocation or cancellation of their license to exercise security profession (LESP) ‘without prejudice to the filing of a criminal case against them.’
The PNP-SOSIA’s warning cited previous cases involving guards causing trouble, commotion, alarm and scandal while using their guns.
Meanwhile, the PNP’s
Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) also began inspecting firecracker stores to prevent the sale of illegal fireworks to ensure public safety for the holiday season.
The FEO has also issued a list of prohibited firecrackers:
–Piccolo
–Super Lolo
–Atomic Triangle
–Large Judas Belt
–Large Bawang
–Pillbox
–Boga
–Goodbye Philippines
–Bin Laden
–Mother Rocket
–Lolo Thunder
–Coke in Can
–Atomic Bomb
–Five Star
–Giant Whistle Bomb
–Pla-pla
–Kabasi
–Hamas
–Watusi
Under Republic Act 7183 or the Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices Regulation Act, any person who will be caught manufacturing, selling, distributing or using illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices will face a fine of PHP20,000 to PHP30,000, imprisonment of six months to one year, cancellation of license and business permit and confiscation of inventory stocks.
Source: Philippines News Agency
