PNP arrests 27 for gun use during holidays, destroys 6k illegal firecrackers

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested 27 individuals involved in 'indiscriminate' firing of guns during the holiday season from December 16 to January 2.

Among those detained were one military personnel, two civilians, two police officers, and a security guard; seven suspects are still at large.

The PNP confiscated 17 firearms and reported five injuries in these incidents, while the Revised Penal Code imposes penalties ranging from six months imprisonment to heavier charges like homicide or murder.

Additionally, the PNP has destroyed over 6,000 illegal firecrackers and confiscated more than 600,000 firecrackers worth an estimated P4.046 million during this period.

Most arrests for illegal possession and sale of firecrackers were reported in Calabarzon (42), Eastern Visayas (17), and Metro Manila (10); the total number of injuries due to firecrackers was 83, with two fatalities recorded.