One last gun amnesty before polls

FORT STO. DOMINGO, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering implementing one “last” amnesty for loose firearms before the 2010 presidential elections.

This is in line with the PNP’s desire to control the proliferation of unlicensed firearms and minimize the number of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs).

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the last gun amnesty is meant to encourage individuals to have their firearms documented before the PNP implements its proposed total gun ban during the election period next year.

The PNP chief, however, clarified that the plan for the last gun amnesty needs the approval of President Arroyo through an executive order.

“Everything is being studied. We need the timing to force them (individuals with unlicensed or expired firearms) to surrender or have their guns licensed and documented,” he said.

If approved, Verzosa said the PNP intends to implement the amnesty for loose firearms in the third quarter of this year, adding that these firearms are usually used in committing crimes especially during election period.

At present, there is an estimated 400,000 loose firearms in the country.

The last gun amnesty was from Nov. 14, 2006 to Nov. 13, 2007.

Verzosa had also said that the PNP might recommend to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) the implementation of a total gun ban during the national and local elections in May 2010.

Verzosa tapped the PNP–Civil Security Group, PNP-Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) and the PNP-Directorate for Operations to study this matter.

Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluña, director of the PNP-PSPG, said the total gun ban will cover not only candidates but also all government officials and civilians. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Sheila Crisostomo