Groups to launch movement vs gun ban extension

MANILA, Philippines - Various groups are set to make a strong stand against the plan of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to extend the implementation of the existing nationwide gun ban, which will end on June 9.

Professionals from various sectors of society will launch today the A2S5 or the Article 2 Section 5 Coalition, which derives its name from a clause in the Constitution that states that “the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.”

The group said this clause means they have the right to carry firearms for self-protection.

“Let us defend our right to protect ourselves,” said the group in its invitation for the launch, which will be held at 9 a.m. today at the Club Filipino in San Juan.

The group maintained that making the gun ban permanent would only affect gun owners while lawless elements continue to carry firearms and commit crimes.

The PNP set on June 4 the 2nd National Gun Control Summit to determine whether or not to extend the nationwide gun ban, which was imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the May 10 national and local elections.

Earlier, PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa clarified that the summit would push not total gun ban but only the effective gun control program.

“One of the hot topics is gun control, many are skeptical and afraid. It’s actually not a total gun ban but an effective gun control program… we will be transparent with this,” he said.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said all the issues concerning the gun control program – for and against – will be tackled during the summit.

According to PNP data, 97 percent of crimes were committed with the use of loose firearms.

In his article “Musing of a gun aficionado” published in The STAR, Emmanuel Florendo said in the United States, 48 states have passed laws allowing their law-abiding citizens to carry guns concealed on the streets for self-protection.

“Less than one percent of licensed guns are actually involved in crime incidents. In fact, most of the violent incidents with guns utilize loose firearms,” he said.

Florendo said “the ratio of the police to citizens has deteriorated, therefore the right to self defense has become more important.”