Eleazar to CHR: Arming civilian volunteers purely for protection

Philippines' top cop Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Sunday assured the Commission on Human Rights that arming anti-crime civilian volunteers -- as suggested by President Rodrigo Duterte -- is solely for their protection.

In a statement, Eleazar acknowledged the CHR's concern saying, “We understand the concern ... but we assure them that the President’s suggestion is to encourage volunteerism and definitely not vigilantism.”

On Saturday, the CHR expressed opposition to the President’s proposal, saying that "the Philippine National Police (PNP) is more than enough," and cited the provision in the 1987 Constitution that the government shall only maintain one national police force.

Also, CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia pointed out that "arming civilians without proper training, qualification, and clear lines of accountabilities may lead to lawlessness and proliferation of arms that may further negatively impact on human rights situation in the country."

But Eleazar assured the CHR that anti-crime volunteers will undergo the rules and procedures for possessing and carrying firearms.”

He said, these include securing License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) which is a requirement before a civilian could buy a firearm, firearms license and the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR).

If civilians are allowed to possess and carry firearms for as long as they comply with the rules and regulations of the law and are qualified to do so, there is no reason to prevent members of volunteer groups to enjoy the same privilege, Eleazar pointed out.

Furthermore, Eleazar said, “We support the argument of the CHR on this case but it should also understand that we cannot let them (volunteers) be at the mercy of the criminal elements that we encourage them to fight alongside with us.”

“The proposal to arm them is purely for their own protection, to defend themselves and the PNP itself will not allow each and every one of them to engage in the actual fighting of criminal elements. The PNP also assures that only those who will qualify under the law may be permitted to own and possess firearms,” he added.

Last Friday, the PNP launched the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers, which aims to build a strong collaborative partnership with the community in support to the ongoing campaign against criminality and terrorism. —LBG, GMA News