Two police officers were disarmed Friday for allegedly having fired their guns indiscriminately during the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Philippine National Police said yesterday.

Administrative charges are being readied against PO1 Arnel Rodriguez of the Pamplona police station and PO3 Alan Baguio who is detailed by Sta. Catalina police, PNP provincial director S/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said.

Buenafe said the penalty for the erring policemen may range from suspension to dismissal from the service, but assured they will be accorded due process.

Investigation disclosed that reports of the indiscriminate firing incidents reached Buenafe's office through civilians.

In Pamplona , Rodriguez was arrested because the seal of his firearm was broken. Before the Christmas break, the muzzles of firearms issued to police officers were sealed and taped. They were warned not to fire their guns, Buenafe pointed out.

Despite these reports, Buenafe said there was a significant decrease in the number of indiscriminate firing incidents in Negros Oriental in 2007 compared to the previous years.

He said another civilian in La Libertad was also reported to have fired his gun, but he did not give details.*JG

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