5 arrested for indiscriminate firing

MANILA, Philippines - Police have arrested five people for illegally firing their guns a few days before the New Year.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said two policemen, two civilians and a security guard were arrested.

The incidents were reported in Metro Manila, Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Zamboanga peninsula, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, he added.

Mayor said 10 people were the reported victims of   indiscriminate firing of guns.

The PNP has been monitoring casualties, arrests and confiscated items as part of its “Ligtas Paskuhan 2014.”

Earlier, the PNP has sealed the service firearms of   policemen with masking tape signed by commanding officials as a traditional, preventive measure against indiscriminate firing.

Gun holders were warned against firing their firearms during the holiday revelry.

In the past, the indiscriminate firing of guns has killed innocent bystanders.

As 2013 was ushered in, a stray bullet hit a child, Stephanie Nicole Ella, as she was watching a fireworks display in Caloocan City. She died days later.