LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The shotgun distribution for the 1,333 barangay captains in Pangasinan has been completed Friday with reminder from the governor that they will be held accountable if they misuse it.
In the culminating ceremony on pump shotgun marksmanship and familiarization training at the provincial police office firing range here, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. reminded the last batch to receive the shotgun composed of Alaminos City, Bani and Sual towns that these must be used to maintain peace and order, not to terrorize people.
He appealed to his detractors not to give different meaning to this project, adding that “Rest assured our intentions here are well and good.”
The giving of shotgun to each barangay captain was met with criticisms by some newsmen and other people who claim that there are more concerns that need to be prioritized first by the provincial government. Critics fear possible abuse of some barangay captains of these shotguns.
The provincial board appropriated P30 million for the purchase of shotguns.
First district Rep. Arthur Celeste who was present during the event said that if these firerams are used well, peace and order will be achieved. He asked the recipients to be responsible gun holders.
Celeste, himself a former barangay captain for 13 years, said the barangay captains are the strongest partner of the local and provincial governments in development.
“If you will abuse its use, the governor and I will be the first to put you behind bars. But if you use for defense, in fighting lawless elements in your area, we will be behind you,” Celeste said.