Screen grab from the Laging Handa briefing Last July 3, 2021.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would not arm anti-crime civilian volunteers despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s suggestion.
In the Laging Handa government briefing on July 3 (Saturday), PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar said gun ownership was voluntary and requires a permit.
“Gusto ko po linawin dahil parang naging premise na natin na aarmasan e. Ako po nagsabi na hindi po natin sila aarmasan, at yun ay kung gusto lang po nila na magkaroon sila ng baril, kagaya niyo po, kagaya ng iba pa nating mga kababayan na gustong magka-baril, pwede po silang mag-apply,” he said.
(I want to clarify because it seems to have become a premise that we will arm civilians. Take it from me that we will not arm them. Civilians can acquire guns if they want to, like you, like anybody else who wants to own a gun, they can apply.)
The PNP is also implementing a strict recruitment to verify if police aspirants are morally, physically, and mentally qualified to own a gun, said Eleazar. Hazel N. Camba