THE military on Saturday vowed to punish an airman and an army reservist who were arrested by the police for indiscriminate firing during the New Year revelry.

Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said that the military leadership had taken cognizance of reports that some military personnel violated directives against indiscriminate firing.

“The AFP leadership takes this matter seriously and assures our people that the maximum administrative penalty will be meted to any erring individual soldier,” Burgos said in a statement.

“As to the case of the civilian who happen to be a reservist, due process will be served and the AFP will help civilian authorities in the prosecution of the case if probable cause is found,” he added.

Airforce S/Sgt. Ricky Castro, assigned with the 600th Airbase Wing in Clark Air Base in Pampanga province, is now under the custody of the Philippine Air Force and undergoing investigation.

The military spokesman was also referring to the case of Juan Agos, a military reservist, who was earlier cleared by the police of any involvement in the death of Stephanie Nicole Ella, the 7-year-old victim of a stray-bullet in Caloocan City.

Stiffer penalties for those who indiscriminately fire guns has been sought by a House leader on Saturday in light of the shooting spree the past week that killed eight people, including children.