Binay tells gun owners ahead of New Year revelry: No indiscriminate firing, please
At A Glance
- Senator Nancy Binay has appealed to local gun owners--especially military and police personnel--to avoid indiscriminately firing their guns during the holiday season.
Senator Nancy Binay (Senate PRIB)
Senator Nancy Binay has appealed to local gun owners--especially military and police personnel--to avoid indiscriminately firing their guns during the holiday season.
This, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently said that at least seven incidents of illegal discharge of firearms have been reported, with one person wounded as a result, since Dec. 16.
Binay made the appeal on Saturday, Dec. 30, or a day before the annual New Year's eve revelry. She underscored the need to be conscious of safety in such situations.
“Alalahanin po natin na may karampatang responsibilidad ang pagbitbit natin ng baril (Let’s keep in mind that carrying a gun comes with its responsibilities)," the lady solon said.
Five of the seven offenders—two police officers, two members of the Philippine Army, and a civilian—have so far been arrested and had their guns confiscated, while the two others remain unidentified.
“Marami sa mga biktima ang walang kamalay-malay na tinatamaan sa kalagitnaan ng pagdiriwang (Many of the victims get hit with no warning during their celebration).
"Our communities deserve to be safe from such reckless behavior,” Binay added.
She urged the PNP and local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce Republic Act (RA) No.7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
Binay also called on the Filipino public to employ more creative ways to usher in the New Year instead of resorting to firing guns, fireworks, and firecrackers.
She urged local authorities to strictly monitor vendors selling illegal firecrackers to protect the public.