MANILA, Philippines – Sinibak sa pwesto ang dalawang pulis kabilang ang hepe nito matapos na magpaputok ng M16 rifle bilang hudyat sa pagsisimula ng karera ng bangka sa Bugsayan Festival sa Lavezares, Northern Samar.
“To ensure transparency and accountability, the personnel involved, including the Chief of Police of Lavezares, have been relieved from their posts while the investigation is underway,” saad sa pahayag ng Northern Samar Police Provincial Office.
Ayon sa provincial police, nagsasagawa na ito ng masusi at impartial investigation sa insidente na naganap sa Bankaton Festival at Motorized Banca Race event noong Agosto 20.
“In the said incident, a PNP personnel allegedly used an issued M16 rifle to signal the start of a motorboat race,” sinabi ng Northern Samar Police Provincial Office.
“A video of the incident, which has since gone viral, has raised public concern over the risks of using firearms as signaling devices,” dagdag pa.
Ayon sa provincial police, pinaputok sa open sea ang M16 rifle.
“No harm, damage, or malicious intent was reported, and the activity proceeded peacefully until its successful conclusion. Nevertheless, the NSPPO treats this matter with the utmost seriousness.”
Dahil dito, inatasan ng Northern Samar Police Provincial Office ang lahat ng unit na mahigpit na sundin ang mga polisiya sa paggamit ng mga issue firearm.
Pahihigpitin din ang pagbabantay sa mga pampublikong aktibidad at makikipagtulungan sa lokal na pamahalaan at mga organizer upang masiguro na ligtas at nararapat ang signaling methods.
Sa hiwalay na pahayag, tinawag ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang insidente bilang “unacceptable.”
“The recent incident in Northern Samar, where a service firearm was used during a local festival to signal the start of a boat race, is unacceptable,” ayon pa sa PNP.
“While the act may have been non-hostile and did not result in harm or damage, it nonetheless constitutes a clear deviation from established protocols on firearm use,” dagdag pa.
“Firearms are issued strictly for legitimate law enforcement operations. They must never be used for ceremonial, symbolic, or non-operational purposes without explicit clearance and proper authority.”
“Any misuse, regardless of intent, will not be tolerated and may subject the personnel involved to administrative and disciplinary action,” pagtatapos nito. RNT/JGC
