Friday, December 21, 2007 Cops start taping their gun muzzle By Ben O. Tesiorna
AS A tradition, police officials in the region have started putting masking tapes on the muzzle of the guns of their men as part of their campaign to prevent indiscriminate firing among police and military during the celebration of Christmas and New Year.
In a ceremony Wednesday, Police Regional Director Andres Caro led the placing of masking tapes on the short and long firearms of the policemen assigned to the police regional office in Catitipan, Buhangin.
Caro expressed his hope that all of his subordinates would strictly follow the order as they did last year. It was learned that not a single police officer was found to have violated the ban on indiscriminate firing.
Elements of the Regional Mobile Group under Superintendent Vic Danao were the first ones to have their guns taped as the Police Regional Office-Southern Mindanao assured the public that they are all set for the coming celebration in terms of ensuring the safety and security of the Dabawenyos.
No police personnel are allowed to take a leave during the holiday season ensuring a hundred percent police force to address any security threat.
Caro said that despite the declaration of the suspension of military operations against the enemies of the state, the police and military are still on their toes especially as the New Peoples Army is set to celebrate its anniversary on December 26. The suspension started December 16.
Authorities have implemented Oplan Yuletide to specifically address security in public places such as malls, churches and parks.
In Davao City, the Police Regional Office-Southern Mindanao has deployed an additional 150 policemen in the city as reinforcement for the city's Oplan Yuletide. And on December 24, the Davao City Police Office will formally activate the 2nd City Mobile Group in anticipation to the possible disbandment of the elite Task Force Davao. (With Peng Alino)
