Lacson calls for stricter gun control after Batocabe slay

Senator Panfilo Lacson. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Sunday called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to impose “stricter gun control measures” following the killing of AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and a fomer Bukidnon mayor.

Lacson, in a statement, said he intended to call for a public hearing in January on the recent killings in the country, including those of prominent personalities.

“At the rate murder is being committed with impunity, it’s time for the PNP to impose stricter gun control measures,” Lacson, who heads the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs said.

“For a start, try suspending all PTCFOR’s ((permit to carry firearms outside of residence). Anybody in civvies carrying firearms must be assumed to have criminal intent and apprehended on the spot,” he added.

Such policy, he said, “should also include PNP officers who are not in police uniform.”

The senator headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001.

He said the killing of Batocabe was the first killing of an incumbent or sitting lawmaker in recent memory.

“This all the more needs urgent or even ‘unpopular’ measures by authorities, including very strict gun control measures,” he said.

Batocabe, 52, was at a gift-giving event for senior citizens and persons with disabilities around 3 p.m. in Barangay Burgos in Daraga, Albay when he and his police escort were gunned down by still unknown assailants.

On Saturday morning, former Kadingilan, Bukidnon Mayor Joelito “Jukens” Talaid was also killed by motorcycle-riding killers in Cagayan de Oro City.

Lacson said the PNP should have already considered stricter firearms control strategies after the killing of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili on  July 2, “before similar killings could reach ubiquitous levels.”

The senator also sought “to deter civilians from carrying firearms outside their homes, saying only police and military personnel in uniform and on duty should be allowed to do so.”

While civilians may be allowed to possess firearms, he said the firearms should be kept in a vault inside the owners’ homes when left unattended.

“Firearms are for self-defense and protection of properties from intruders, and not for offensive action by the possessor,” he said.

The former police chief also stressed “the need to reverse the perception that anyone with a firearm tucked in his waist must be a law enforcement officer.”

Instead, the senator said,  “anyone with a firearm tucked in his waist would be presumed as a bad element without doubt and therefore must be reported to the authorities.”/lb