Gun-free zones eyed

MANILA, Philippines – In an effort to minimize gun-related violence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is pushing the establishment of a gun-free zone in some areas nationwide.

Chief Superintendent Ireneo Bacolod, director of the PNP Civil Service Group (CSG), said the gun-free zone could be established in a town, city, province or region depending on the recommendation of a police commander in close coordination with local government units.

“It can be established in a tourist spot,” said Bacolod, one of the prime movers of the first-ever National Summit for Gun Control held at Camp Crame early this week.

Bacolod said the island of Boracay in Aklan, which is popular among local and foreign tourists, can also be used as a pilot area for such a gun-free zone.

He said Metro Manila can be a pilot area, too, depending on the discussions of the PNP and local chief executives.

He said the main goal of the PNP in pushing the measure is to further improve the peace and order situation in the country.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa conceptualized the national summit for gun control in an effort to minimize poll-related violence in the run-up to the 2010 elections.

Verzosa’s proposal for a total gun ban during the 2010 presidential elections gained ground after summit participants expressed full support for it.

He has also proposed “one last” amnesty for loose firearms, implementation of a total gun ban, and stiffer penalty for illegal possession of firearms.

Deputy Director General Jefferson Soriano, PNP deputy chief for operations, said a resolution was also proposed to address the issue of election-related violence “wherein only law enforcement officers and authorized individuals will be exempted from the gun ban.”

Soriano also said the timeline for the firearms control program include the submission of a proposed comprehensive firearms law to Congress on May 24, which will be supported by an information campaign on a firearms control program.

He said the participants hope to get Congress’ approval of stiffer penalties for illegal possession of firearms in September and implement the final gun amnesty in October, a month before the end of the filing of certificates of candidacy.

The implementation of gun amnesty needs the approval of President Arroyo. – With Crestelle Pedrosa and Andrea Valino