IN order to ensure a safe welcome to the Year of the Snake, operatives from the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) are keeping their eyes on drinking sprees on the streets.

NCRPO P/Chief Director Leonardo Espina has ordered his men to accost people in such drinking sprees.

Citing police records, Espina said that many brawls and violent incidents had occurred due to such drinking sprees.

The worse thing about such incidents, according to him, is that innocent bystanders are often injured in the resulting brawls.

The police will cite the local ordinances banning such gatherings in breaking up such drinking sprees.

The Philippine National Police is taking steps this weekend to make sure the New Year revelry will go peacefully.

The police personnel assigned to Metro Manila will have their firearms’ muzzles sealed with tape on Saturday to ensure that they do not fire their weapons indiscriminately to welcome 2013
Espina warned his men of severe sanctions if they are found to fire their weapons to ring in 2013.

He said that he expects only those taking part in legitimate anti-crime operations to use their firearms.

The firearm muzzles are to be inspected in the first week of January 2013.

The police chief also warned civilians against using firearms to welcome the New Year as they will face criminal charges when caught.