The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it would assist personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the enforcement of traffic rules and in going after drunk drivers amid the expected frenzy of Christmas gatherings and parties.
In a news statement, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. urged motorists not to “drink and drive” to avoid road accidents.
“The PNP is maximizing efforts to further reduce Public Safety Indicators of Total Crime Incidents by initiating measures to reduce vehicular accidents that may result in homicide, physical injury and damage to property,” Azurin said.
Anyone caught driving under the influence may be meted with imprisonment, and/or fines of up to P500,000 depending on the gravity of the situation.
“In this regard, the PNP will assist the MMDA and LTO in implementing RA 10586 The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013,” he added.
Azurin, meanwhile, said they are also strictly monitoring the illegal sale of firecrackers ahead of the New Year revelries.
This is to ensure that the manufacturing, distribution and use of regulated and illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are at all times in check, “With the end in view of no or lesser damage to property and injuries to people,” he added.
“PNP Units are under instructions to strictly enforce RA 7183 An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices,” the PNP chief said.
Azurin said there would be no gun muzzling of PNP personnel’s firearms this year, saying he is confident that they would not fire these during the holiday revelry.
However, he said no personnel would be spared if they would engage in indiscriminate firing while their immediate superiors would also be held accountable.
“We are reminding all gun holders of their responsibility not to indiscriminately fire their guns while in revelry and merry making,” he said.
“The full might of the law will be applied to anyone who will fire a gun to celebrate the holidays, much more if the violator belongs to the uniformed services, dismissal from the government service shall be swift,” he stressed.