Eleazar: PNP won’t issue firearms to volunteer civilians
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will not issue firearms to anti-crime volunteers in the country.
This was clarified by PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, after speculations about President Duterte’s suggestion that civilians should be armed to help maintain peace and order, during his visit to Pangasinan last Wednesday, June 30.
He said the law allows civilians to own and possess firearms but must secure a license for it, and there’s a process to be observed.
He said, an individual, whether as a volunteer or not, has the right to own firearms, provided he passes all the requirements set under the law.
“If you pass all the requirements, then just like any other citizens in the country, you can possess a firearm,” the PNP chief said.
“Civilians will not enforce the law because they are not police but rather help us to enforce the law by reporting to us what’s happening in the community,” Eleazar underscored.
The Commission on Human Rights condemned the proposal of President Duterte and raised concern that it “may lead to lawlessness and proliferation of arms”. (Jerick Pasiliao)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
