Quisumbing eyes gun for barangay captains

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing has made known his plan to re-issue firearms to 27 barangay captains for their security.

The move of Quisumbing came after Barangay Captain Antonio Maquilan was shot while sitting on his electric wheelchair at his piggery just 50 meters away from the Mantuyong barangay hall.

“I think they should be armed…  Because you know, aside from their performance and duties, remember it is the barangay captains nga mouban sa mga Tokhang operation. On their exercise of their duties, there may be some people that become upset because they are upholding the law,” Quisumbing said.

According to Quisumbing, during the previous administration of then mayor Jonas Cortes, the barangay captains were given city-issued firearms.

But last year, the firearms were surrendered to the Mandaue City Police Office after the licenses expired.

Quisumbing said the city will re-issue the firearms once it will be able to secure the License to Own and Possess and the necessary permits to carry firearms.

“We are just making sure it is done with updated licenses and permits at all times, which is why right now it is still with the MCPO," Quisumbing said.

The barangay chiefs may only carry handguns no larger than a 9mm or .38 caliber.

“But the end of the day we want them (the captains) to be able to feel that they are safe and secured and when the circumstances required, they’re able to defend themselves,” Quisumbing said.

Quisumbing also said the investigation into the shooting of Maquilan is still ongoing but refused to divulge further details in order not to preempt the investigation of the police.

Prior to the incident, Maquilan mentioned that he had been receiving death threats. But the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. (FREEMAN)