Nicole's death, Cavite shooting rampage raise debate on Phl gun laws

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines needs tougher laws against persons who illegally carries firearms, a political party said Monday, noting the relatively high incidence of homicide rates by firearms in the country.

In a TV interview, Norman Cabrera, Ang Kapatiran secretary general, said the government should increase the prison term for those who would be caught illegally carrying and owning firearms to  12 years to 20 years.

"Kapag siya ay nahuli, 12 taon ang ang pinakamababang pagkakakulong at madidiscourage siya," Cabrera said.

Under Republic Act 8294, the penalty for illegal possession of firearms is imprisonment of four years, six months and one day to six years and a fine of not less than P15,000 to imprisonment of six years and one day to eight yeas and a fine   of not less than P30,000.

The call for tougher laws has been raised following the death of Stephanie Nicole Ella owing to a stray bullet during the  New Year revelry in Caloocan City and the death of seven people in a shooting rampage in Kawit, Cavite on Friday.

However, Randy Tayko, gun safety instructor at the Philippine Practical Shooting Association, said law enforcers should focus on curbing and seizing loose firearms. He also said they teach gun owners to properly handle their guns by ensuring that only these owners get to access their guns.

According to the latest data available from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Philippines had 7,349 homicides by firearm in 2003 or seven cases of homicide by firearm rate per 100,000 population.