PNP to enforce One Strike policy on indiscriminate firing during holiday season

December 16, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will implement a One Strike Policy for policemen who fire their guns indiscriminately during the holidays.

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lieutenant General Camilo Pangratius Cascolan said this will be applied in case of injuries and deaths from indiscriminate firing on Christmas and New Year's celebration.

"On incidents involving injuries or death resulting from indiscriminate firing of guns, the One-Strike Policy will strictly apply to all Police Commanders and Chiefs of Police who will fail to take appropriate action to solve these cases within 24 hours," said Cascolan.

This policy means dismissal from the service if proven guilty of the offense.

Cascolan said the PNP targets to reduce last year's 33 cases of indiscriminate firing and 12 cases of stray bullet injuries to zero.

Under the Memorandum Circular "Paskuhan 2019," the police initiatives will be for anti-criminality, anti-illegal drugs, ISO or international security operations, and anti-terrorism. It will also address violations n illegal firecrackers and dangerous practice of celebratory gunfire.

Around 195,000 policemen nationwide will be on full alert status starting Monday until January 5, 2019.

"This operational plan employs the Enhanced-Managing Police Operations (E-MPO) Strategy that encompasses other operational campaigns on law enforcement and public safety, primarily internal security, considering that the local communist movement celebrates the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines every December 26th which is historically amplified with increased hostilities by the communist New People’s Army," Cascolan said.

"We will continue to operate against rogue policemen and against drug personalities, most specially high-value targets this holiday season," he added.

He urged the community to be alert this Yuletide season and to provide necessary information to the authorities. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS