LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines—The provincial government has started distributing shotguns to village chairmen in the province but the program drew mixed reactions from local officials.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. asked the recipients not to abuse the privilege and only use the guns for defense.

His brother, Board Member Amadeo Espino, president of the Pangasinan Federation of Barangay Captains, said the distribution started on August 22 and would be completed by September 16.

At least two mayors, however, opposed the arming of the village chiefs.

"While Espino knows best what he is doing, as he is a former police officer, I don't see why the barangay captains should be armed as there is no war in the province," said Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza.

He said arming village officials could result in human rights violations.

He cited the case of a village chairman and two kagawad (village council members) in Alaminos who were linked to the shooting of a nurse in the city. The gun used by the village chief came from a government official, he said.

"Barangay officials lack [adequate] training [in handling guns] and during emergencies, they could hurt others or the shotguns could be snatched from them," he said.

Braganza said the provincial government should instead help local police offices by giving these guns, vehicles and communication equipment to the police.

Burgos Mayor Domingo Doctor also opposed the arming of village heads.

"Even mayors [find it] difficult to get license to carry guns. One should even undergo [a series of] psychiatric tests before a license is issued so why should barangay captains be given firearms just like that?" he said.

But according to Board Member Espino, village officials undergo a two-hour lecture and orientation on the proper handling of firearms before they are issued firearms.

He said the officials have also been given training and exercises on shooting and gun handling.

Doctor said there was no need to arm village heads in his town, Burgos, which was peaceful.

"Maybe giving firearms should be selective. It should be given only to village chiefs who need it. Besides, not all village heads [behave] the same way… some are not able to control themselves, especially when they are drunk," he said.

But Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines chapter in Pangasinan, supported the move.

Guico was quoted in a local newspaper as saying the guns would help village officials and the police in the campaign against criminality in their areas.

Board Member Alfonso Bince, in a privilege speech, said the fear that some village chiefs would use the guns to harass their political enemies was farfetched.

"Let us trust our punong barangay (village chiefs). They have been elected by their constituents to lead them," he said.