From People’s Journal: Quite thankfully, a former National Police chief, veteran law enforcer, and now lawmaker is leading the fight to curb ownership of firearms to address the problem of indiscriminate shooting and other political violence ahead of the elections.
Kailangan nang buklatin ang mga nilalaman ng mga umiiral na batas ng bansa tungkol sa pagmamay-ari at pagdadala ng baril sa labas ng tahanan, bunga na rin ng paparami na insidente ng pamamaril.
Bukod dito, binabanggit din ni Senador at dating Philippine National Police Chief Panfilo Lacson na kailangan nang ibahin ng publiko ang kanilang pananaw sa mga sibilyan na nakikitaang nagdadala ng baril sa labas ng tahanan.
“Presently, when we see persons in civilian attire with firearms bulging from their pants, we just assume they are police or military personnel. It should be the other way around. If we see someone in civilian attire and with a firearm, we should instinctively assume the person is up to no good, and report him or her to the nearest police station,” pahayag ni Lacson.
Binigyang halimbawa ni Lacson ang mga ginagawa ng awtoridad sa ibayong dagat na maski mga pulis, depende sa lugar, ay hindi nakikitang nagdadala o may sukbit na baril sa baywang katulad lamang ng kadalasang nakikita sa Hong Kong.
A string of recent shootings, including the killing of a policeman along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) on March 26, should prompt changes in the public mindset as well as legislation regarding the possession and carrying of firearms outside residence, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said.
Lacson said the killing of Police Senior Master Sergeant Solomon Cugay shows gunmen can act with impunity because of loose firearm laws as well as the public mindset that people with firearms in civilian attire are lawmen.
“Presently, when we see persons in civilian attire with firearms bulging from their pants, we just assume they are police or military personnel. It should be the other way around. If we see someone in civilian attire and with a firearm, we should instinctively assume the person is up to no good, and report him or her to the nearest police station,” Lacson, who headed the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001, said in an interview on DZMM radio on Wednesday.
“Every day, we hear of someone being gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants. A policeman is the latest victim in a growing list that includes politicians, traders and even lawyers,” he added.
In the wake of recent murders committed with impunity, the Philippine National Police should lose no time in imposing stricter gun control measures, including the suspension of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residences (PTCFORs).
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson stressed this following the killing of Ako Bicol party list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and former Kadingilan, Bukidnon Mayor Joelito Talaid within hours of each other on Saturday.
Lacson, who heads the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, also intends to call for a public hearing in January on recent killings, including those of prominent personalities, in recent months.
“At the rate murder is being committed with impunity, it’s time for the PNP to impose stricter gun control measures. For a start, try suspending all PTCFORs. Anybody in civvies carrying firearms must be assumed to have criminal intent and apprehended on the spot,” said Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001.
At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– Killing of Mayor Halili
– Criminals getting bolder despite anti-crime drive
– Need for PNP to clamp down on loose firearms
– irregularities surrounding PNP acquisition of Mahindra vehicles
– Inflation up to 5.2%
– TRAIN woes
– National ID bill update
– PRRD clarification he never ordered anti-jueteng operations stopped
In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– need for PNP to be stricter vs loose firearms
– recent killings of local officials
– anti-jueteng operations
– proposed amendments to the Constitution by the consultative committee