PNP orders one-strike policy vs holiday gun revelry

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December 16, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police yesterday warned PNP personnel and gun owners that it would strictly enforce a one-strike policy against indiscriminate firing during the holidays.

Under the rule, anyone caught firing a gun indiscriminately will face sanctions without prior warning.

“This measure is meant to deter irresponsible behavior and prevent injuries and deaths, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Nartatez said police personnel found violating the policy may face administrative sanctions, including dismissal from the service, forfeiture of benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

He said police unit commanders would be held accountable for maintaining discipline among their personnel.

Nartatez ordered the relief and preventive suspension of any police officer involved in indiscriminate firing while a probe is ongoing.

“Firearms are not toys and should never be symbols of indiscipline,” Nartatez said.

Cop deployment

With the traditional dawn masses or Simbang Gabi and holiday shopping expected to draw large crowds, over 102,000 PNP personnel and force multipliers have been deployed to ramp up security for the Christmas season.

As of Dec. 11, 102,192 police personnel were on the ground, including 70,744 PNP officers, 6,892 auxiliary units and 24,526 members of augmented groups.