EPD, Bulacan cops seal guns

MANILA, Philippines - With two cases of stray bullet victims recorded by the Department of Health one week before the New Year, the Eastern Police District and Bulacan Police have both opted to seal their men's guns. A report from QTV's Balitanghali said that the sealing of firearms is part of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) annual campaign Oplan Iwas Paputok. Reporter Rida Reyes said that the PNP leadership was hoping that their personnel would influence local citizens to refrain from using guns during the coming New Year revelry. Metro Manila police chief Director Leopoldo Bataoil has warned that soldiers and paramilitary troops caught firing their weapons indiscriminately during the long holidays will not be exempted from arrest. "Mahigpit nating pinagbabawal ito. Ang mga tauhan natin, mga kapatid sa military, mga Cafgu, mga security guards at firearms holder na civilian (We will be very strict in cracking down on those indiscriminately firing their weapons. These include our own men, our brethren in the military, security guards, and civilian firearm holders)," Bataoil said in a recent interview. Bataoil said he will leave it to his district directors whether to seal their men's firearms with tape for the holidays. - Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV