MANILA, Philippines – In accordance with efforts to decrease New Year’s Day injuries and to ensure no one will indiscriminately fire their guns to welcome 2013, policemen in Metro Manila will seal the muzzle of their guns.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Leonardo Espina will lead the taping of gun muzzles on Saturday, December 29.

He emphasized that sealing gun muzzles was a precaution, and not meant to restrict a policeman’s ability to use his firearm during legitimate police operations.

Espina added that policemen will face both criminal and administrative charges if found to have fired their guns inappropriately.

“I remind all chiefs of police and station commanders that if any of their personnel defy the policies he said.

This comes after Philippine National Police (PNP) head Alan Purisima warned his servicemen earlier this week against firing New Year celebration gunshots, and reminding them they “should be the role model in the government’s efforts against the use of dangerous pyrotechnic materials.”

With the goal of reducing firecracker-related injuries, the PNP has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH)’s “Iwas Paputok” campaign. – Rappler.com