Duterte’s idea of ​​arming civilian groups criticized

Last Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte proposed arming civilian volunteer groups to help enforce the law allegedly.

“If you have this coalition, you have a list of people who are there who can arm themselves. I will order the police if you are qualified, get a gun, and help us enforce the laws,” said Duterte.

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But on Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified that the government has no plans to distribute firearms and that any members of the group intending to buy firearms will also go through the process.

“These volunteers, ganu’n pa rin ‘yun, bibili sila ng baril kung sila ay qualified na bumili at dadaan pa rin sila sa proseso natin,” said PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

Eleazar added that Duterte’s proposal is anchored in the law and the unqualified will not be given a gun.

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Some senators have previously criticized what the President said.

According to Sen. Panfilo Lacson, arming civilians is not a solution but more stringent on the sale and ownership of firearms.

Duterte’s idea of ​​arming civilian groups criticized

“Stricter gun control measures by the PNP, including the more stringent issuance or even suspension of permits to carry firearms outside residences, would be a better solution to stopping criminality than arming civilians,” said Lacson.

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Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he would oppose this proposal if it reaches the Senate.

“We will oppose it. Given the Senate’s strong opposition to the proposal to arm firefighters, I don’t see the Senate will support the proposal to arm civilian organization,” he said.

Malacañang clarified that the President only said that he was open to arming civilian groups but did not have a final recommendation as long as the government was still studying it.

“This is not a policy yet, I’m sure it will be subjected to full staff work. Pero meanwhile eh may realidad na habang tumutulong ang mga volunteers ay may banta rin sa kanilang mga buhay,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

Roque added that the arming is only for personal protection and not to join the operation against crime by the police.

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