Philippine security forces have been ordered to tape over the barrels of their guns to dissuade them from firing into the air to welcome in the New Year, officials said on Thursday.
Police and military officials said those found to have broken the tape seals over the New Year period without a valid explanation would be punished.
Firing into the air on New Year’s eve claims casualties every year despite government efforts to crack down on the practice. At least five people were wounded by stray bullets last New Year’s eve.
”Commanders at all levels shall seriously deal with errant officers and enlisted personnel who would fire their weapons to welcome 2006, and injure innocent civilians in doing so,” military chief General Generoso Senga said.
He did not say what sanctions would await violators, but said ”appropriate punishment will be imposed”. – AFP