PNP to phase out .38 caliber revolvers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set recall the .38 caliber revolvers service firearms of policemen nationwide in an effort to improve the anti-crime fighting capability of the police force.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the .38 caliber revolvers used by police officers are no match to the high-powered firearms of well-organized criminals.

“We are the only police force in the world still using .38 (caliber revolver) that’s why we are attempting to improve. So many policemen were killed by criminals when their .38 revolvers jammed,” Cruz added.

Citing a report of the PNP’s Directorate for Research Development, Cruz said they would be acquiring a single brand of firearms for policemen.

“Before the end of the year, we hope to fill up 80 percent of the service firearms, and we will also procure long firearms,” he said.

He assured, however, that the PNP has enough firearms contrary to the statement of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo that many policemen were forced to buy their own guns.

Robredo had said about three of 10 policemen have no government-issued firearms. While guns are not that expensive, he said they are not comfortable that policemen buy their own firearms.

The DILG chief said only 75 percent or 85,000 of the total 140,000 policemen nationwide have government-issued firearms.