^

Headlines

One last gun amnesty before polls

-

FORT STO. DOMINGO, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering implementing one “last” amnesty for loose firearms before the 2010 presidential elections.

This is in line with the PNP’s desire to control the proliferation of unlicensed firearms and minimize the number of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs).

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the last gun amnesty is meant to encourage individuals to have their firearms documented before the PNP implements its proposed total gun ban during the election period next year.

The PNP chief, however, clarified that the plan for the last gun amnesty needs the approval of President Arroyo through an executive order.

“Everything is being studied. We need the timing to force them (individuals with unlicensed or expired firearms) to surrender or have their guns licensed and documented,” he said.

If approved, Verzosa said the PNP intends to implement the amnesty for loose firearms in the third quarter of this year, adding that these firearms are usually used in committing crimes especially during election period.

At present, there is an estimated 400,000 loose firearms in the country.

The last gun amnesty was from Nov. 14, 2006 to Nov. 13, 2007.

Verzosa had also said that the PNP might recommend to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) the implementation of a total gun ban during the national and local elections in May 2010.

Verzosa tapped the PNP–Civil Security Group, PNP-Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) and the PNP-Directorate for Operations to study this matter.

Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluña, director of the PNP-PSPG, said the total gun ban will cover not only candidates but also all government officials and civilians. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Sheila Crisostomo

 

vuukle comment

CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT JOSEFINO CATALU

CIVIL SECURITY GROUP

DIRECTOR GENERAL JESUS VERZOSA

FIREARMS

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

PNP

POLICE SECURITY PROTECTION GROUP

PRESIDENT ARROYO

SHEILA CRISOSTOMO

VERZOSA

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with