QCPD warns cops: Do not use firearms for New Year celebrations

Quezon City Police District Director Brig. Gen. Redrico A Maranan on Sunday reminded all QCPD personnel to refrain from using firearms during New Year celebrations.

"To the men and women of QCPD, let us exercise the utmost caution and refrain from using firearms as part of the New Year's celebration. Those who will be involved in indiscriminate firing will be immediately apprehended and face subsequent charges, both administratively and criminally. We must ensure the safety of our community to avoid any untoward incidents, and we must serve as an example for the community by celebrating responsibly," Maranan said in a statement.

He said the QCPD will be implementing strict measures to monitor and enforce this directive, reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy for the irresponsible use of firearms.

"Everyone will be encouraged to find alternative and safe means of celebrating the occasion that does not pose risks to public safety," said Maranan.

He also encourages the public to abide by the strict implementation of R.A. 7183 otherwise known as An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices in Quezon City in welcoming the New Year.

The firecrackers law enumerated the following as prohibited firecrackers: Watusi; Piccolo; Poppop; Five Star; Pla-Pla; Lolo Thunder; Giant Bawang; Giant Whistle Bomb; Atomic Bomb (Super Lolo); Atomic Triangle (Goodbye Bading); Large Size Judas Belt (Goodbye Philippines); Goodbye Delima (Bin Laden); Hello Columbia (Mother Rockets); Goodbye Napoles (Coke-In-Can); Super Yolanda (Pillbox); Mother Rockets (Boga); and Kwiton (Kabasi). Violators will face strict legal consequences under existing laws and local ordinances.

To further ensure the safety of residents, QCPD has designated specific areas where firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices will be permitted. At Fairview Police Station (PS 5), these areas include SSS Village Open Space, Namapa Basketball Court, Balikatan Court, Fairmont Clubhouse, UNFHAI Clubhouse, and Drachma Open Space. Cubao Police Station (PS 7) has designated the following areas, in front of Brgy. Socorro Hall, in front of Murphy Market, in front of Brgy. San Roque Hall, and Brgy. San Martin de Porres covered the court.

Additionally, Anonas Police Station (PS 9) has identified areas like K-10th St., corner Kasing-Kasing St., K-H St., and the open area in front of Brgy. Hall, Aguho St., Batino St., corner Aurora Blvd., Open Basketball Court, BPI Open Area, Kaingin 1, Kaingin 2, and Pansol Plaza, Area 2 and Area 6 Open Area, Maginhawa St. and V. Luna Extn., University Avenue, Pook Palaris, Area 17 Open Area, and Open Park. Kamuning Police Station (PS 10) designated areas also include Roces Avenue, Rotonda, Sct. Chuatoco cor Sct. Reyes, Kamuning Rd. cor 11th Jamboree, and NIA cor BIR Rd. as approved areas. Project 6 Police Station (PS 15) specifies SM North Roof Top and Trinoma Roof Top, while Pasong Putik Police Station (PS 16) limits it to Robinson Roof Top.

"The QCPD seeks the cooperation of the public to report any violations promptly to the authorities and urges residents to explore alternative ways to celebrate the New Year without resorting to the use of illegal firecrackers. By adhering to this prohibition, a safer and more secure environment for everyone will be ensured," said Maranan.

Poor families receive media noche packs from PNP's "S.H.A.R.E." project in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro

Meanwhile, Roxas Municipal Police Station Officer in Charge Cpt. Clyde Kalyawen launched the "S.H.A.R.E." (Spreading Hope through Assistance, Relief, and Empowerment) project, which extended aid to 100 individuals from disadvantaged families residing in various barangays in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro on Sunday.

Despite facing challenging conditions including the scorching sun and muddy terrain, the personnel of Roxas MPS, alongside the Oriental Mindoro PPO 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, persevered to deliver media buena (New Year's Eve) food packs directly to the modest homes of the recipients.

"Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga kapulisan dahil sa pinagkaloob nila sa amin. Hindi po namin lubos akalain na magkakaroon po ng handa para sa pagsalubong ng bagong taon. Maraming salamat po sa ating mga kapulisan," said by one beneficiary.

"Nakakataba po ng puso ang ganitong gawain ng ating kapulisan. Saludo po kami sa inyo," another beneficiary remarked.

Kalyawen explained that Project Share aims to spread the message of love and compassion during the holiday season, embodying the true spirit of community and generosity.

"Sa pamamagitan ng aming proyekto, mas naipapadama po natin sa ating mga naghihirap na mga kababayan ang mensahe ng pag-ibig at malasakit. Tuloy-tuloy po ang ganitong mga inisyatibo ng Roxas MPS bilang bahagi ng aming programa na makapagbigay tulong at inspirasyon para sa mga naghihirap nating mga kababayan," he added.

Meanwhile, Kalyawen also assured the public of the PNP's commitment to a safe and secure New Year's celebration.

"Makaka-asa po ang ating minamahal na mga Roxaseños na papaigtingin ng ating kapulisan ang pagpapatupad ng seguridad at kaayusan upang mas higit na maging masaya ang pagsalubong sa bagong taon," said Kalyawen.