Estomo orders Metro cops to intensify drive vs illegal firecrackers ahead of New Year’s Eve
TO reduce the fatalities and injuries caused by firecrackers during the New Year revelries, National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo ordered the five police district heads and the police chiefs in their areas to intensify their campaign against illegal firecrackers.
The five districts covered by the NCRPO are the Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), Southern Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD).
Estomo said they would crack down on illegal firecrackers that are harmful to the people as the NCRPO will coordinate with the local barangays and village peacekeepers to ensure proper enforcement of the order and apprehension of violators.
Estomo said Metro Manila cops would sustain maximized deployment for “Ligtas Paskuhan 2022” with 1,369 police officers to strictly implement existing firecracker-related rules and regulations.
Pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 28 and Republic Act (RA) 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, Estomo reminded the public to be responsible and follow the designated firecracker display zone and community display area for the safety of everybody.
He also said the Metro Manila police also support the designation of common firecrackers zones to promote the safe use of legal pyrotechnics.
He added that a strategic deployment of personnel was plotted wherein police officers will be deployed to secure places of convergence as well as to monitor the designated firecracker zones.
“Every year, the police remind our countrymen to be careful and follow the laws regarding fireworks and lighting. We will always remember that welcoming the coming New Year is happiest if we, our loved ones and the people around us are safe and healthy,” Estomo said in a news statement issued on Thursday.
Estomo also called all gun owners to be responsible and avoid negligence, blatant disregard of safety standards and indiscriminate firing to safeguard innocent lives welcoming the year of 2023.
“All NCRPO personnel were ardently warned not to use their issued firearms during this annual occasion, otherwise, they will face strictest sanction. [PNP personnel] were trusted and confided by the Chief PNP, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to behave with propriety by not taping their issued firearms,” said Estomo.
Meanwhile, Estomo has expressed his high esteem and gratitude to “Gawad Pilipino” for recognizing his devotion to duty as one of the 100 Heroes of the Year during the awards night on Tuesday, December 27, at Novotel Hotel and Resorts at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
Gawad Pilipino is an annual event that aims to recognize Filipino men and women through their passion and work ethics that greatly affect the Philippine culture, tradition, and society for humane innovations.
During the awarding ceremony, Estomo was represented by NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Dexter Versola, who guaranteed that the self less service to people will continue for the next coming months.
“We will continue to serve and protect our countrymen. May this serve as an inspiration so that we can further improve the relationship between the police and the people in Metro Manila),” Estomo said.
Estomo is known for his outstanding S.A.F.E. NCRPO security and public safety formula, which is credited for a historic and victorious anti-criminality feat.