Aquino urged to certify gun control bills as urgent

MANILA, Philippines - A group of peace advocates yesterday urged President Aquino to certify gun control bills as urgent to prevent the spread of crime and violence involving guns.

The group Mga Tagatulak ng Kapayapaan (Peace Movers) also pushed for the consolidation of the Citizen Protection Act of 2010 and Senate Bill 129, which seeks to regulate the carrying of firearms.                                               

In an open letter to Aquino dated Jan. 30, the group, composed of social activists, lawmakers and bishops, sought the implementation of a permanent gun ban in public places.

“As a crime prevention measure, the consolidated bill will make the harmless act of carrying a gun in public places a criminal offense (mala prohibita) before such harmless act turns into a violent crime. It will also carry a stiff penalty for its violation,” the letter said.