PNP won’t revive taping of cops’ guns
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2018 09:43:50 +0000
NATIONAL police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde
AMID the rise of critical netizens in the social media, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has no more plan to tape the muzzle of the service firearms of its armed personnel similar to what its past leaderships had done in the past.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said even the policemen themselves are embarrassed that their guns are taped especially in the presence of foreign tourists who would often ask the reason why.
“Kapag may mga tourists na pumupunta rito medyo napapahiya tayo kapag nakakita sila ng pulis na merong masking tape sa dulo,” said Albayalde.
“Tinatawanan tayo kung minsan na bakit kailangan natin masking tape yung baril where in fact kung gusto mo iputok puwede mo rin tanggalin yung masking tape,” he stressed.
Some of the netizens in the past have been questioning the logic behind the taping of the gun muzzles, echoing the same argument of Albayalde and then PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.
It was recalled that ceremonial taping of the muzzle of service firearms of the police is a usual scenario as early as before Christmas day. The masking tape at the muzzle of the gun are signed by immediate commanders.
The rule is that if the signed masking tape was lost or damaged, there is a presumption that the cops used it for indiscriminate firing, unless the involved cop would be able to prove that he used the gun in a legitimate operation or would justify its use.
The taping of the police guns were implemented before following the usual high number of victims of indiscriminate firing during New Year revelry.
Albayalde said such practice was no longer implemented since last year on order of dela Rosa. And during that period, he said no policeman was found to have been involved in indiscriminate firing.
“Last year, we were able to prove that our PNP personnel are responsible enough. Walaakong alam na indiscriminate firing last year so this year sana zero incident pa rin tayo sa indiscriminate firing. Kung meron last year we will go for zero incident this year.,” said Albayalde.
Instead, he said he had already issued a directive warning commanders and any policemen of dire consequence if they are caught engaged in indiscriminate firing.
“We have to show to the public that we are a responsible, professional, dynamic police organization.
“We have cautioned over and over again our personnel not to indulge in indiscriminate firing. Otherwise that will mean their immediate dismissal from the service,” he added. (Aaron Recuenco)