Gun dealers condemn killings, blame loose firearms

MANILA, Philippines - Gun dealers yesterday condemned the recent gun-related crimes and laid the blame on criminals with loose firearms, saying responsible gun holders seldom get involved in criminal activities.

“First, we sympathize with the victims and their families. We don’t want these incidents to happen. But we want to point out that the guns used in crimes were loose firearms,” said Joy Gutierrez-Jose, director of Trust Trade, a member of the Association of Firearms and Ammunitions Dealers (AFAD).

Jose was referring to the death of Stephanie Nicole Ella on New Year’s eve and the shooting rampage in Kawit, Cavite on Jan. 4.

She said that AFAD has been supportive of the effort of the government, through the Philippine National Police (PNP), in accounting for loose firearms, estimated at around 550,000.

“Guns are used not only to kill but to preserve lives and property. There were many instances when guns save lives,” she said.

Jose cited an incident abroad where a burglar barged inside a house and a mother and her daughter hid in a cabinet but the robber found them. The mother had a gun and shot the robber, saving both of them in the process.

On the plan to impose a nationwide gun ban, she said that criminals commit crime and will not follow any law.

“Responsible gun holders need firearms for their protection. We are obeying the law. We are supporting the government and the PNP in the drive against loose firearms. In fact, we consider proliferation of loose firearms to be a competition of the legitimate firearms,” she said.

Jose said that AFAD is assisting the Firearms and Explosives Office in calling out the public to renew the registration of firearms.

“Even stores are observing measures to ensure gun buyers follow measures, precaution, and regulations set by the PNP,” she said.