Bill bans naming gangs after hometowns, ethnic origin

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker wants to ban naming crime gangs after their hometown or ethnic community.

Misamis Occidental Rep. Henry Oaminal authored House Bill 4758 or "An act prohibiting the Philippine National Police (PNP) or any law enforcement agency from designating names of gangs or criminal groups to their hometown, region or ethnic communities, providing penalties for violations thereof and for other purposes."

Visit our Bill Tracker to view the proposed measure.

The proposed measure seeks to protect the general welfare of citizens being cast out due to the notoriety of groups named after their place of residence.

"This police predisposition does not only smear and besmirch the name of the town or city but also the innocent people therein," Oaminal said.

Oaminal cited some gangs named after hometowns or ethnic origins of its members such as the Ozamiz Gang, the Ilonggo Gang and the Waray Waray Gang.

"Imagine being tagged as the town mate or barangay mate of a certain criminal. Certainly, there can be far more congruous and congruent ways for the authorities to label felons and criminals," the lawmaker explained.

Any police officer or member of any law enforcing agency who will violate the measure would be penalized with prision correccional or imprisonment from six months to six year.

The bill is now pending with the House of Representatives committee on public order and safety.