Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reiterated the command’s strict zero-tolerance policy against indiscriminate firing Wednesday, directing all personnel to observe maximum discipline in handling firearms.

“Our badge should not be used as an escape to do things irresponsibly,” Nartatez said. “This will not save us from being accountable for our wrong actions.”

Nartatez said that the enforcement aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure police officers exercise authority responsibly while protecting public safety.

The reminder follows an incident last week involving a Valenzuela City police officer who discharged a firearm in a residential neighborhood in Marilao, Bulacan.

No injuries were reported in the incident. The officer was taken into police custody and charged with illegal discharge of firearms.

Nartatez assured the public that the officer would also face administrative charges, noting that the police organization enforces a one-strike policy for indiscriminate firing that carries penalties up to dismissal from the service.

He also instructed police chiefs and unit commanders to act immediately on all reports and complaints involving illegal firearm discharges.