AFP: No soldier accused of indiscriminate firing on New Year's eve

MANILA, Philippines - No soldier has been accused of indiscriminate firing during the New Year’s eve as of Friday, the military said.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said all unified area commands have not received complaints about soldiers illegally discharging their firearms.

“There was no report of soldiers being investigated for indiscriminate firing. It shows that our soldiers are well-disciplined and respect the people in the communities they serve,” Cabunoc said.

“The warnings given to our soldiers were also effective,” he added.

Cabunoc also credited the troop information and education programs that detailed the risks of indiscriminate firing.

Unlike their police counterparts, the military did not seal the muzzles of their firearms before Christmas.

At least one shooting incident involving soldiers was recorded during the holidays.

On December 24, two Marines shot each other using their M16 rifles after a heated argument but it was not a case of indiscriminate firing. The shootout left one soldier dead and another one injured.

The Philippine National Police recorded 45 incidents of indiscriminate firing as of yesterday. One person died and 30 others were injured because of the illegal discharge of firearms.