Remember that from January 10th to election day June 9th, in the Philippines nobody will be allowed to carry any weapon of any sort (even an air-soft toy) in public. Candidates are limited to 2 armed security people, and they must be in uniform. This edict was prompted by campaign violence in 2007 that cost the lives of about 130 people in that election cycle. Unlike the United States, there are a lot of private security forces employed by elected officials, candidates and thugs in the Philippines equipped with all manner of pistols, rifles, and in some cases illegal 50 cal. machine guns and rocket launchers, The government committed huge resources toward the goal of cleansing the public square of all weapons. They set up over 3,000 checkpoints all over the country and manned them with 100,000 soldiers and police detailed to the gun sweeps. Over 500 towns were designated to receive foot patrols specifically to clean up visible guns.
So far, they have arrested 892 people, including 33 government officials, and 58 police officers. Thirty-four came from the military and the rest were civilians. The violators arrested have given up over 900 firearms, and 792 replica guns. The government has collected many illegal weapons and discovered caches of weapons and explosives in the jungles around family compounds. (With 100,000 people looking for guns you are bound to find some.) The government registers guns too, and recently did an amnesty program to bring into the fold firearms that had lapsed in their registration and to register new guns. According the the Philippine National Police Civil Security Group, they have newly licensed 59,221 firearms and renewed 201,989. There are some wrinkles in the plan too. Entrepreneurs are selling fake permits that are supposed to exempt the bearer from the Comlec (Commission on Elections) 8714 and 8742 resolutions.
How successful has this effort been so far in reducing campaign violence? In two months, 16 people have been killed and three wounded in this troubled nation. President Arroyo pushed for passage of a bill, House Bill 6776. which would have imposed a life prison term for producers and owners (emphasis mine) of illegal weapons. It didn't pass, but is shows they are thinking.
Now, comes the money-shot for this whole story: The Calbarzon police director, Chief Superintendent Rolando Anonuevo has said that the Philippine National Police might allow the gun ban to continue past the scheduled June 9th end. OK, let us summarize:
- We have a crisis: Campaign violence from armed groups during elections.
- We ban all public guns until the election and sweep the country for illegal weapons. It's just to protect the elections, only until June 9th!
- We register all guns and try to make it a life sentence to posess an unregistered gun.
- We let slip that we want to make the gun ban permanent. Oops!
Might confiscation be far behind?
Comments
They have no rights over there, no self-determination.
I visited the PI in the 1980's. It needs a lot more than a gun control culture to fix their problems. A government that is incorruptible would be a good start. Guns are NOT the problem there, the problem is no one willing to be an adult when arguements occur.
Cronyism is the standard there. If you're with the right group, you're OK. Before Marcos declared martial law to stay in power, guns were fairly common. My wife remembers having fresh venison (very small deer there). By the time I lived there, only the gov't and criminals had guns. Many times they were one and the same.
"only the gov't and criminals had guns. Many times they were one and the same"
Dear sir, you are correct!!! I may be mistaken, but I think it might apply to most countries (even the US of A) as well :P
There is a groundswell by professionals, judges, prosecutors, media people, businessmen and people of other disciplines to move for the rationalization of possession of guns. The idea is to further strengthen the standing of licensed gun owners that since they are compliant of gu laws, they should be allowed to bring out and carry their guns outside of residence. Unlike in the US where gun ownership is a right, in the Philippines it is a privilege. Gun owners must get a license for every gun they own to be compliant with law. Moreover, in order for one to be able to bring it out of ones residence, you must secure a permit to carry. Bureaucracy and narrow mindedness of peope in the law enforcement offices frown upon carry permits and make it hard for civilians to get one. It also becomes a source of graft since private persons that need it coughout money to get one to be on the right side of the law.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!