The Manila Times

PNP orders gun training for safety

FRANCIS EARL CUETO

IN the wake of an accident involving a policeman accidentally firing his service firearm and killing a fellow officer in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has ordered all police commanders to ensure their men are adept on gun handling.

Cpl. George Mervin Cañete Duran, who was assigned with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the San Pablo City police station, accidentally fired his service firearm on Nov. 24, 2022, shooting and killing Cpl. Frank Alden Yasay de la Cruz.

Reports said that Duran, de la Cruz and their fellow policemen were cleaning their firearms for inspection.

Duran checked his 9 mm pistol and tried to clear the chamber, but it fired. De la Cruz was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival at the Community General Hospital of San Pablo City.

He sustained a gunshot wound in the chest.

LtGen. Rhodel Sermonia, deputy chief for administration, said that Duran is facing criminal and administrative charges.

Col. Redrico Maranan, chief of the PNP-Public Information Office, said every police officer should be familiar with gun safety rules so as to prevent such accidents.

He said that Azurin wanted policemen to undergo more gun handling training and familiarization with gun safety rules.

“After the report reached the office of our chief PNP, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., he immediately issued a directive, which is actually a reiteration, to our ground commanders. That should be a priority, it should be conducted weekly and we have to take a look if we have shortcomings,” Maranan said.

“One may forget it (skills) if they do not practice it from time to time. If you forget basic gun safety rules, that’s dangerous. It may lead to loss of life, just like what happened in San Pablo,” he said.

News

en-ph

2022-11-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/281565179775773

The Manila Times