The Philippine National Police (PNP) said President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to arm civilian volunteers in the government’s fight against crime has legal basis.
However, PNP chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said civilians will not automatically be granted weapons and permission to use arms, noting that there are still processes and permits required to own a weapon.
“Kailangan mayroon muna silang license to own and possess firearms at license ng mismong baril… Ito ay walang pagkakaiba sa ibang gun enthusiast na dumaraan sa prosesong ito,” Eleazar said in a briefing on Monday (June 28).
The police chief added that the government will not issue guns to civilians.
Malacañang said the Chief Executive’s proposal made during the recent launch of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers is not yet a policy.
“He is open to the idea, pero wala pa naman pong finality… I’m sure it will be subjected to full staff work. Pero meanwhile ay may realidad na habang tumutulong ang mga volunteers ay may banta rin sa kanilang buhay,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) earlier expressed opposition to the suggestion since it could have repercussions on human rights.
“Arming civilians without proper training, qualifications, and clear lines of accountabilities may lead to lawlessness and proliferation of arms, which may further negatively impact the human rights situation in the country,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the PNP is now verifying reports that alleged drug lord Peter Lim has left the country. Eleazar said Lim will be caught whether abroad or in the country in “just a matter of time.”
Report from Bea Bernardo/AG- jlo
Watch full report here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h8qA2JRKE8
