Continuous firearm proficiency training recommended for cops

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday urged its officers to keep studying firearm proficiency and safety familiarization in order to prevent accidental firing that may result in death.

The PNP made the recommendation in the wake of the death of a police officer, who was accidentally shot by his fellow lawman in San Pablo, Laguna last week.

In a radio interview, PNP public information office chief Col. Redrico Maranan stressed the need for police officers to continuously practice firearms proficiency, noting that skills in firearm handling diminish.

“If you do not practice it from time to time, you may forget it. If you forget the basic gun safety rules, that is dangerous because that could mean loss of lives like what happened in San Pablo, Laguna,” Maranan said in Filipino.

Cpl. Frank dela Cruz died after he was accidentally shot by Cpl. George Duran.

The officers were reportedly cleaning their service firearms when Duran’s gun went off.

The bullet hit dela Cruz in the chest.

Maranan said some police officers have stopped practicing their gun skills due to the pandemic.

“This should not be a reason to lose practice. They could undertake dry firing exercises. They could dismantle and assemble their firearms,” he said.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin ordered police commanders to ensure that their men can practice their gun skills and undergo firearm proficiency study.

Maranan said sessions on proper gun handling and familiarization would be conducted regularly.

“This should be done weekly. We will see if there are lapses in this regard,” he added.