Quezon City Police District director, P/BGen. Redrico Maranan, on Tuesday, said that the New Year revelries in Quezon City were generally peaceful, except for one reported indiscriminate firing. There were no other major untoward incidents recorded.
Maranan said a report submitted by the Talipapa Police Station (PS 3), under P/Lt.Col. Morgan Aguilar, the suspect for indiscriminate firing was identified as Boy Bagua, 44 years old, a security guard, and a resident of Brgy. Baesa, Quezon City.
Bagua was arrested by PS 3 personnel after a concerned citizen reported his alleged indiscriminate discharge of firearms in Brgy. Baesa, Quezon City. During the arrest, it was observed that the suspect was evidently under the influence of alcohol, and a handgun was visibly tucked into his waist. Recovered from his possession was one ARMSCOR 202 Cal. 38 SPL loaded with one fired cartridge case and four live rounds of ammunition.
Maranan said the suspect was charged with R.A. 11926, or Indiscriminate Discharge of Firearms, and R.A. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Regulation Act.
Meanwhile, the QCPD Chief said it is worth noting "that we have zero incidents on the eight focus crimes during the celebrations and minimal firecrackers-related injury."
"This success can be attributed to our intensified campaign against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics, which led to the confiscation of 14,565 pieces of assorted firecrackers with an estimated value of approximately P400,000."
"Malaking bagay po talaga iyong programa ng ating QC LGU sa pagtatalaga ng designated areas tulad ng Quezon Memorial Circle at piling mga open spaces para sa mga firecrackers. Dahil dito mas nabantayan ng ating kapulisan itong mga areas na ito. And for this, I would like to sincerely thank the QC LGU led by our very own Mayor Josefina Joy Belmonte, for all the significant programs and support for QCPD," Maranan explained.
He said that the QCPD's continuous intensified campaign against drugs and anti-criminality also helped in the maintenance of a very peaceful celebration of the New Year.
Maranan also extended his New Year's greetings to the families of all Quezon City policemen and also commended them for maintaining peace and order and making sacrifices to ensure a peaceful New Year celebration.