MANILA – Philippine National Police chief Nicanor Bartolome has ordered the dismissal and filing of administrative and criminal charges against two policemen who figured in separate indiscriminate shooting incidents on Christmas Day.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr. identified the two erring cops as Police Officers 1 Lloyd Fernandez, 30 and Fulgencio Sedeco.

Cruz reminded all 140,000 police officers around the country that all service firearms, as well as privately owned guns, are not allowed to be fired in celebrating the New Year. All violators will face the appropriate charges.

The traditional sealing of gun nozzles to prevent indiscriminate firing during New Year will be conducted on Tuesday at 7 a.m.

Bartolome earlier issued LOI 42/2011, warning PNP personnel of getting heavy punishment for illegal discharge and indiscriminate firing of guns on and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In the order, all PNP units shall schedule muzzle taping, to be supervised by senior PNP officials of the seventeen Police Regional Offices down to the provincial, city and municipal police stations nationwide.

Bartolome said the PNP will also watch over the community and conduct various police operations and public safety measures during the holidays. Alert status will remain in areas with fragile peace and order situation especially in the Mindanao regions.