The Philippine National Police (PNP) has logged 15 cases of indiscriminate discharge of firearms ahead of the New Year 2025 festivities.
Citing data as of 6 p.m. on Sunday, 29 December, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo said four individuals were injured due to indiscriminate firing and another one was wounded due to a stray bullet.
Fajardo noted that six cases of indiscriminate firing were reported in Calabarzon, followed by four in the National Capital Region (NCR) and two in Central Visayas.
One incident each was recorded in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Fajardo said 10 individuals were arrested due to these incidents—seven of them were civilians, one police officer, one security guard, and one personnel of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
Further, police have confiscated nine firearms.
Meanwhile, Fajardo said the PNP also recorded 132 injuries due to firecrackers.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil earlier ordered all police units nationwide to prioritize public safety as the nation prepares to welcome the New Year 2025.
Marbil warned the public against unsafe practices such as burning tires and blocking roads, which might hinder emergency response efforts when needed.