Davao City, Regional Police Join Muzzle Taping of Guns for Holiday Season

Davao City (PNA) — Over 1,400 firearms of the entire Davao City Police Office (DCPO) have been silenced starting Monday until the New Year in 2016 during the simultaneous muzzle taping in the continued commitment of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against indiscriminate firing for a period of 20 days.

A simultaneous muzzle taping was also held at the PNP Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 with Director Wendy Garcia leading the ceremony after the flag raising at Camp Catitipan.

The implementation of the directive on muzzle taping however does not prevent police to fire their guns in the performance of official duties such as implementation of warrants of arrest, search and in defending self against criminals during operations.

“Pero sa inom inom dili pwede magpabuto. Pangalagaan natin ang gating mga baril at sarili. Di pwede magpaputok without justification (But in drinking session you are not allowed to fire your guns. Let us take care of our guns and self. Firing of guns is not allowed without justification),” said DCPO deputy director Marvin Pepino in his message during the muzzle taping ceremony on Monday morning.

Pepino said the significance of the muzzle taping is part of the continued commitment of PNP against indiscriminate firing of guns which is already contained in the directives of national headquarters. The tapes will be removed only after New Year (January 1).

Pepino said firing of guns without justification carries administrative and criminal penalty against the police officer.

DCPO spokesperson Milgrace Driz said DCPO alone has a total 250 guns. But all in all including police stations in the city, Driz said there are more than 1,400 guns.

Driz said they would know if a gun is fired since there is a standing ordinance banning firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.

“Lisod pud siya ikasa (It is also hard to cock the gun),” Driz said, adding that the tape can be removed easily it has a signature which can be an evidence if the gun has been fired. (PNA) FPV/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP