A policeman who was caught on a viral video firing his gun to signal the start of a motorboat race during a town fiesta was relieved from his post, as well as the town’s chief of police.
The incident happened in Lavezares, Northern Samar last August 20, 2025 the Bugsayan (Bankaton Festival and Motorized Banca Race) where PMsg Jimmy Florano was seen firing an issued M16 rifle to signal the start of a motorboat race.
Florano is now presently reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO).
The NSPPO, in a statement on Monday, said it is conducting a thorough and impartial investigation on the incident.
The video went viral and has raised public concern over the risks of using firearms as signaling devices.
The NSPPO said that based on initial information, the discharged round was a blank fired toward the open sea, intended purely as a starting signal.
“No harm, damage, or malicious intent was reported, and the activity proceeded peacefully until its successful conclusion,” it stated.
The provincial police office said it is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and relieved the personnel including the chief of police while the investigation is still ongoing to ensure transparency and accountability.
As a preventive measure to prevent similar incidents in the future, NSPPO also directed all units to strictly observe policies on the proper use of issued firearms.
“Supervision during public activities is also being tightened, with closer coordination with local government units and event organizers to ensure that safe and appropriate signaling methods are observed,” it added.
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