DURING HOLIDAYS
Cops told: Don't use
guns indiscriminately

Bacolod City Police Office director, Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar, reminded policemen not to use their service firearms in welcoming the New Year as the BCPO marked the second day of sealing its personnel's guns yesterday.

“This will ensure that they will not be tempted,” he said, adding that those who will indiscriminately fire their guns will face criminal and administrative charges.

Quebrar also called on civilians with licensed firearms not to use them to welcome the year 2008.

On Thursday, Police Station 2 commander, Inspector Rie Gumban sealed and signed each of his officer's firearm with white tape, including an M-16 assault rifle.

Other stations will follow before December 31, Quebrar said.

He added, though, that just like in the past, officers who will be in a situation where their lives are in danger are allowed to use their firearms.

The seals on the guns will be checked and taken off on January 2, Quebrar said.

Negros Occidental Police Office director, Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, on the other hand, said that their gun-sealing will start next week.

Meanwhile, Quebrar said that civilian-clad police officers will be detailed at malls in Bacolod to help secure the public, especially from thieves during the holidays.

He added that they are coordinating with the security departments of the major commercial centers in the city in implementing precautionary measures.

Customers are frisked and metal detectors are used to check their baggage at the malls.

Five teenagers from Talisay City , and Brgy. Banago, in Bacolod , were arrested by Robinson's security guards and endorsed to Police Station 3 Thursday after they figured in a riot at the entertainment area of the mall, the police said.

The area was packed with students when the brawl happened, mall security officer Virgillo Arguelle said.

A 15-year-old boy from Purok Langis, Brgy. Banago, was brought to the station with an “Indian target” (homemade arrow) still embedded in his back.

The minor said he and his companion had a confrontation with some teenagers from Talisay over hand signals and because of eye contact.

The one who shot him escaped, Arguelle said.

He said the guards at the business outfit's entrance were not able to find the arrow because the shooter hid it in his pants' crotch.*PP

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