Zero mercy for New Year gun misfits

As the country prepares to welcome New Year 2026, both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have drawn a hard line against indiscriminate firing, warning that personnel who violate firearm regulations will face swift and severe sanctions.

Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday reminded all police personnel that celebratory gunfire has no place in a season meant for peace and safety.

“The Philippine National Police is strictly enforcing a One-Strike Policy against indiscriminate firing. This policy underscores our firm commitment to protecting lives and ensuring public safety during a period meant for peace, not preventable harm,” Nartatez said.

Under the policy, police personnel caught engaging in reckless or celebratory firing face immediate administrative sanctions, preventive suspension, and possible criminal liability. 

Nartatez underscored that command responsibility applies at all levels, with supervisors held accountable for lapses in discipline within their ranks.

Parallel to the PNP’s warning, the AFP also issued a reminder to its ranks, stressing that professionalism and discipline do not take a holiday. 

In a statement, the military said all personnel are expected to strictly follow existing regulations on the safe and responsible handling of firearms.

“There is no directive requiring firearms to be taped,” the AFP clarified, adding that commanders have instead been instructed to reinforce supervision, accountability, and alertness within their units.

Philippine Army spokesperson Louie Dema-ala echoed the warning, saying violations of firearm regulations would be dealt with accordingly. He expressed confidence that soldiers would exercise restraint without the need to disable their service weapons.

“We regard the professionalism of each Army personnel, and they are responsible enough to abide by the directives and regulations on indiscriminate firing,” Dema-ala said.

The renewed warnings come amid persistent reports of stray bullet incidents during the holidays. 

Authorities confirmed at least one fatality in Tondo, Manila, where a man was killed by a stray bullet on Christmas Day. The PNP also reported that seven individuals were arrested for indiscriminate firing from 16 to 26 December.

Alongside the firearms crackdown, Nartatez ordered a final sweep against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics as sales peak ahead of the New Year. 

Police units at the city and municipal levels have been directed to act decisively against manufacturers and sellers of banned fireworks, both on the ground and online through the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.

Operations will focus on known hotspots such as Divisoria and other areas traditionally linked to the illegal firecracker trade. 

Authorities cited recent incidents, including more than a hundred injuries, two fatalities in Dagupan City caused by an illegal firecracker factory explosion, and the death of a 12-year-old boy in Tondo.