PNP plans to procure taser guns as response in violent situations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is planning to acquire taser guns for handling violent situations against unruly civilians amid the enhanced community quarantine.

“It is part of the plan of PNP. We call it non-violent or those equipment other than the firearms. Lumalabas dito yung mga taser (the taser falls under this),” PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Thursday in an online press briefing when asked if the police force is considering buying tasers when dealing with violent civilians.

“All of these things are being evaluated by the Directorate of Logistics under the procurement management committee who deliberates on what to procure,” he added.

This comes after the police force received criticisms from human rights groups due to reported abuse such as the incident in a private village in Makati City where Police Senior Master Sergeant Roland Von Madrona attempted to arrest Javier Parra due to an altercation about house helper’s failure to wear a face mask while watering plants outside the residence.

Human rights violations were also raised after Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo gunned down former Philippine Army Cpl. Winston Ragos, who reportedly drew his firearm.