AFP chief reiterates stern warning against indiscriminate firing of guns

From InterAksyon (Dec 30): AFP chief reiterates stern warning against indiscriminate firing of guns

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Tuesday reiterated his warning on soldiers against indiscriminate firing of guns during New Year’s revelry.

"We have given our soldiers and units stern warning that indiscriminate firing is punishable under the Articles of War, and may result in demotion or dismissal from military service. Any military personnel who gets caught discharging a firearm must be reported to the police or to the nearest military commander," Catapang said in a statement released by the AFP Public Affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc.

Catapang reminded soldiers and civilians alike that firing their guns in the air will cause a falling bullet to reach a speed of up to 700 feet per second, where a bullet speed of just 200 feet per second is enough to pierce a human skull.

"There are no recorded incidents of celebratory gunfire involving our personnel, so far," he said.

In a separate development, on Christmas Eve, 23-year-old Marine Private First Class Dave Bryan Cerbito Abang shot dead Sergeant Errol Molin Chavez after an altercation at around 11:30 p.m. at the checkpoint in Sitio Canas, Barangay Calang Canas, Maluso, Basilan.

The 31-year-old sergeant sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the chest and other parts of his body from the suspect's M-16 rifle.

Despite the incident, which the military described as isolated, Cabunoc said all personnel are strictly advised not to celebrate the coming New Year firing their guns.

"The Chief of Staff has spoken and warned all soldiers about the dangers and penalties associated with celebratory gunfire and the use of illegal firecrackers to welcome the New Year,” he said.

"The act of setting-off huge and illegal firecrackers and shooting guns in the air pose a great risk for injury and even death to innocent people. We support the government's drive to stop the malpractice of firing guns and igniting illegal firecrackers to celebrate the New Year. This is part of our commitment to public safety, quality of life and vitality in communities where we serve," he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102071/afp-chief-reiterates-stern-warning-against-indiscriminate-firing-of-guns