Labella Wants to Hike Penalty for Indiscriminate Firing of Guns

Cebu City Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella has said there is a need to amend the Revised Penal Code to increase the penalty for the indiscriminate firing of guns after learning of reports that at least five persons were hit by stray bullets during the New Year revelries.

Labella, a lawyer, said Congress should amend the Revised Penal Code and impose a stricter penalty for indiscriminate firing, which falls under “alarm and scandal” offenses.

“I think there is a compelling need to request Congress to revisit that provision of the Revised Penal Code,” Labella said.

He said firing a gun indiscriminately should be considered “a serious and grave offense, not just a light offense.”

Police were facing a blank wall as to who fired the guns whose bullets hit at least three Cebu City residents during the New Year celebration.

A stray bullet was also found in Talisay City, ripping a hole in a house’s roof, but it missed the people inside.

The bullet was submitted to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory for a ballistic examination. (PNA) SCS/EB/SSC