AFP vows to rid Sulu of loose firearms

JOLO, Sulu — Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon vowed yesterday to rid the streets of Sulu of gun-toting civilians.

"Those who are allowed to carry firearms are only the Philippine National Police (PNP), military and other law enforcement agencies," he said.

He may meet stiff resistance as residents say having a gun is a status symbol in Sulu where guns have replaced the vaunted kris (native bolo) of the early Tausug warriors.

A gun is considered a prized possession, perhaps more so than a wife.

Esperon said based on reports from the PNP and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Jolo could be considered "as having a serious armed threat."

"So far, the Comelec has not made any pronouncement that it will place Jolo under its control," he said.

Esperon said the Jolo Internal Defense Force, a composite military unit, will run after persons carrying guns without authority from the Comelec.

The gun ban helped authorities to spot probable criminals and other "unwanted elements," he added.

Esperon said the Armed Forces has an agreement with the Comelec for the military to take the lead role in enforcing the gun ban.

"We have an MOA with the Comelec where the duties of the AFP are primarily restricted to the enforcement of the gun ban," he said.

The agreement provides that troops can be deployed to quell an armed threat if ordered by the Comelec upon recommendation of the PNP, Esperon said.

While Sulu has a population of more than 300,000, about the same number of firearms are proliferating in the province, according to a joint police and military assessment. – Roel Pareño