25 of every 100 policemen lack firearms to fight crimes

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, on Tuesday said that the department is doing everything it could to address the firearms supply shortage in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Dunning for higher budget and gun donors, DILG is also looking at the reissue of confiscated firearms including those seized from the Ampatuan political clan to beef up police firepower.

Robredo noted that only 75 percent of the 40,000-strong PNP have been issued firearms.

To address the shortage, DILG is looking for ways and means to increase the budget for the PNP, as well as in seeking the support of other agencies and donations from the private sector.

Just recently, Robredo said, the PNP received at least 71 units of assorted firearms from the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC). They are also looking for other possible donors.

“The PNCC donation shows that people in government are working together to find solutions to common problems such as the lack of mobility and firearms of policemen,” he added.

Apart from firearms the PNCC also donated ten units of motorcycles and 18 units of patrol vehicles.

Robredo is also considering the possible reissue of firearms seized by authorities from the Ampatuan political clan in Maguindao province.

He however noted that 1,500 assorted firearms confiscated by police and military personnel in Maguindanao could only be issued to police personnel upon completion of the Maguindanao Massacre case.

Robredo earlier directed PNP chief Raul Bacalzo and PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao to submit updated reports on the whereabouts and status of the seized Ampatuan war materiel.

The DILG Secretary said that it is important for them to know how the firearms ended up in the hands of the Ampatuans, and who are responsible for it in order to prevent similar incidents from happening.

Robredo is also working on the re-issue of some 2,000 firearms which were confiscated by police is various operations nationwide.

If there are no claimants and any legal impediments, we can issue these firearms to our police,” he added.

He also ordered the PNP leadership to look into reports regarding the practice of some police officers selling their service firearms to individuals and groups.

BY JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA