From Emil Jurado’s column in the Manila Standard: I join Senator Panfilo Lacson, former chief of the Philippine National Police, in urging the administration to go after loose firearms and the private armies that use them. 

Loose firearms are a big problem

To The Point – Emil Jurado (Manila Standard)
July 4, 2018 – 12:40am

Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili was assassinated Monday morning. He was famous for his anti-crime and anti-drug “Walk of Shame.” He made suspects parade through city streets with placards identifying who they were.

The shot which killed him could only have been made by a sniper trained in jungle warfare. Only military personnel would have access to an M-16 rifle.

The shooter hid in a grassy area 150 meters from the mayor. The assassin then left the weapon there.

Does the killing have anything to do with the war against drugs?

The death of Halili also raises the issue of loose firearms, which have been used in the killing of those involved in the drug trade, judges, prosecutors, journalists and even clergymen.

With firearms in the possession of killers, and with the President wanting to arm barangay officials, the Philippines will indeed become the Wild, Wild West!

I join Senator Panfilo Lacson, former chief of the Philippine National Police, in urging the administration to go after loose firearms and the private armies that use them. They make a mockery of the government’s peace and order program.

I can only predict more killings.