AFP statement on Indiscriminate Firing during New Year’s Celebration ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Armed Forces of the Philippines has reminded its personnel to celebrate the New Year safely with their loved ones. General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., the AFP Chief of Staff has warned all soldiers about the dangers and penalties associated with celebratory gunfire and the use of illegal firecrackers to welcome the New Year. The act of setting-off huge and illegal firecrackers and shooting guns in the air pose a great risk for injury and even death to innocent people. We support the governments drive to stop the malpractice of firing guns and igniting illegal firecrackers to celebrate the New Year. This is part of our commitment to public safety, quality of life and vitality in communities where we serve. For many years now, we have focused our attention in prevention and education about these malpractices through our leaders counseling activities. We have given our soldiers and units stern warning that indiscriminate firing is punishable under the Articles of War and may result to demotion or dismissal from military service. Any military personnel who will be caught discharging a firearm must be reported to the police or to the nearest military commander. We would also like to remind soldiers and civilians alike that a falling bullet can reach the speed of 300 to 700 feet per second, and that it takes a bullet speed of 200 feet per second to penetrate a human skull. In this regard, we must not tolerate anyone to shoot their guns in the air. We are also very proud to announce that there are no recorded incidents of celebratory gunfire involving our personnel as of today.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 22:42:08 +0000
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