THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday warned gun owners and police officers it will strictly enforce the one-strike policy against indiscriminate firing of guns during the holiday season. Under the one-strike policy, any person — civilian or police personnel — found to have engaged in indiscriminate firing will face immediate action, without warnings or second chances. “This measure is meant to deter irresponsible behavior and prevent injuries and deaths, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations,” acting PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement. Nartatez warned that accountability will be swift and firm. “Any member of the PNP involved in indiscriminate firing will face both administrative and criminal liabilities,” he said. Administrative sanctions could include dismissal from the service, forfeiture of benefits, and perpetual disqualification from public office. Criminal cases, on the other hand, may be filed under the Revised Penal Code and other applicable laws, depending on the outcome of the investigation. Nartatez reminded commanders of their responsibility to maintain discipline within their ranks. He directed them to immediately relieve and place under preventive suspension any PNP member implicated in indiscriminate firing while investigations are ongoing. Nartatez also appealed to licensed civilian gun owners to exercise restraint and responsibility. He stressed that responsible firearm ownership means proper storage, self-control, and strict compliance with the law at all times. To support enforcement, the PNP has activated reporting mechanisms, including hotlines and official social media platforms, to encourage the public to immediately report incidents of indiscriminate firing. “In times of celebration, everyone’s safety is paramount. Let us celebrate Christmas and New Year safely and without harm,” Nartatez said. In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, Col. Julius Caesar Domingo, chief of the public safety division of Directorate for Operation (DO), said the PNP has not monitored “any serious or credible threat” that could disrupt the holiday season. “We have not seen anything to place the PNP under full alert status,” Domingo said. He assured of enhanced police visibility in crowded areas including places of worship, major thoroughfares, and transport terminals. Now on heightened alert, the PNP will deploy over 100,000 law enforcement forces at the start of the evening masses as well as in places that are likely to be visited after the evening prayers. Beginning Dec. 16, police personnel will be stationed at police assistance desks, places of worship, transport hubs, commercial centers and tourist destinations, with additional deployments on Dec. 24 and 31 in designated fireworks zones.