DECEMBER 31, 2025 — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are tightening reminders on firearm discipline as Filipinos prepare to welcome the New Year, stressing that responsibility must outweigh recklessness during holiday revelry.

Unlike past years when police sealed service firearms to prevent indiscriminate firing, authorities confirmed there will be no taping of guns this season. Instead, both institutions are banking on stricter enforcement of existing rules and heightened accountability among personnel.

“All soldiers are expected to strictly follow existing regulations on the safe and responsible handling of firearms,” the AFP said, adding that commanders have been ordered to reinforce supervision and vigilance within their units.

The PNP, for its part, is implementing a one-strike policy — any officer caught firing a gun illegally will be dismissed outright. Monitoring has been intensified, with senior officials warning that stray bullets have claimed lives in past celebrations.

Indiscriminate firing has long been a grim reality in the Philippines, cutting short the lives of innocent victims — children, workers, and even elderly citizens — who were struck by stray rounds. Public outrage over these tragedies has fueled aggressive information campaigns in recent years, leading to a steady decline in gun-related incidents during the holidays.

Still, the AFP cautioned that threats remain, noting that lawless groups continue to have access to firearms. 

“Commanders at all levels are directed to reinforce supervision, accountability, and heightened alertness within their units,” the military said.

The responsibility lies not only with uniformed personnel but also with licensed gun owners across the country. Owning a firearm, they say, is not a privilege to be abused but a duty that demands restraint.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, authorities are urging vigilance and self-discipline to ensure that celebrations remain joyous, not tragic.

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