PB backs move to legalize gun-making in Danao City

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has supported the City of Danao in pushing for the legalization of its gun-making industry.

The PB passed a resolution supporting the local government unit’s move in asking the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to create a task force to study the possible legalization and regulation of the “paltik” or gun-making industry in Danao.

PB Member Arleigh Sitoy, who sponsored the resolution, said that they are aware of the proliferation of the gun-making business in the city.

“It is common knowledge that the gun industry in Danao City has brought more income to the residents especially the workers in the city,” Sitoy said.

The city council led by Vice Mayor Ramon “Red” Durano VI passed a resolution to start off the formation process of the said task force. 

Durano said that DILG Sec. Mar Roxas II is just waiting for the resolution before convening the task force.  He added that the secretary was very receptive of the idea.

Fifth district Rep. Joseph Felix “Ace” Durano will coordinate with the DILG to hasten the process.

Illegal gun manufacturing started to proliferate in Danao City in the 1990’s resulting in the proliferation of loose firearms, not just in Cebu but in the entire country. 

Under the leadership of former fifth district Congressman, now Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, he encouraged gunsmiths to work together and came up with measures to regulate and police their ranks. This also led in the creation of cooperatives that provided economic livelihood to hundreds of families in the city.

However, the cooperatives were not able to cope up with the demands for leadership, greater organization, fresh funds and to market their products.

Also, stated in the resolution, the gun-making businesses are not registered and its employees and family workers involved are not covered by labor standards, social and other benefits. But despite the lack of permit for gunsmiths to manufacture guns, the industry continuous to provide high quality products.

Based on reports, there is a high demand for guns in the local police force. Just recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) bought firearms worth more than P1 billion.

The composite members of the task force are the different local and national agencies such as the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation, DILG, the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of National Defense and the local government. — (FREEMAN)