THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will no longer order its men to muzzle their firearms for the holiday season this year.
PNP Director Ronald dela Rosa gave the order, Police Regional Office 7 Director Noli Talino said.
Dela Rosa's reason? He trusts police officers are mature and responsible enough not to fire their guns indiscriminately during the holidays.
The practice of wrapping the nozzles of guns issued to policemen was started more than a decade ago as incidents of deaths and injuries from stray bullets have been reported during the holidays. By taping the nozzles, with the tape signed by the top officer, then anyone whose gun has a nozzle with the tape removed is a suspect.
Now, dela Rosa poses a challenge by putting his trust on his men that they are mature and responsible enough to use their guns only in the performance of their duties.
Will the policemen be up to the challenge? This we have to see.
Suffice it to say, that at no time had the police force enjoyed so much support from the people and the government. It's but fitting that the police force reciprocate by being at their best, especially during the holiday season. As we, in our childhood, would often tell our friends when we challenge them to show what they have, “'Be daw be!”