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Under the slogan “Not One More Bullet in the Air, 21 Years United for Life,” the Public Housing Authority, alongside community figure Roberto “Papo Christian” Pérez and other leaders, revealed earlier this week the 21st campaign “United for Peace,” which is scheduled for next Tuesday, Dec. 3, beginning at 9 a.m. from the Manuel A. Pérez residential complex in San Juan.
The National Crusade Against Air Shooting in Puerto Rico was initiated by Pérez in 2004 due to the alarming number of tragedies linked to New Year’s Eve celebrations caused by falling bullets. It has since been observed every year without fail.
Housing Secretary William Rodríguez Rodríguez remarked that “once again we participate in this significant endeavor that originated in our residential communities, to unite against aerial gunfire during the holiday season.”
“We will elevate our voices for peace and respectful coexistence within our neighborhoods and across the island, ensuring that not a single life is lost to this reckless practice,” the official stated.
This year, a sizable caravan will traverse the public housing areas in San Juan.
Rodríguez further indicated that “this initiative aligns with the Plan for Social Reconstruction and Violence Prevention introduced by Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi, which aims to foster a culture of peace, enhance mental health support, and diminish inequality. We are committed to constructing a safer and fairer Puerto Rico for everyone.”
The inaugural march against gunfire into the air was held on Dec. 7, 2004, at the Manuel A. Pérez residential complex. In 2011, Law 219 was enacted, designating December as “Not One Shot in the Air Alert Month” and establishing a “Not One Shot in the Air Alert Day,” responding to the advocacy from the public housing community.
Among those who lost their lives due to stray bullets are Jessica Pacheco, 9 years old, from the Juan César Cordero residential complex in 2003, Francisco Javier Cancel, 14, from Toa Baja in 2010, and Karla Michelle Negrón, 15, from Villa Palmeras in 2011.
Present at Tuesday’s announcement were representatives from the Housing and Public Safety departments, San Juan Municipality, and the San Juan Municipal Police, along with religious leaders, council heads, and community figures from various public housing developments.
