Even after Tarlac shooting, PNP says off-duty cops still allowed to carry firearms

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not change its policy of allowing off-duty policemen to bring firearms even after one of their own shot to death a mother and son in Paniqui, Tarlac.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former police chief, earlier recommended to the PNP to have policemen turn over their issued firearms to their unit’s armorer or supply officer when on off-duty status.

But according to PNP spokesman Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana, majority of policemen are “responsible enough” to be allowed to carry their firearms.

“Alam po nila iyong sense of responsibility to making sure that the firearms will be used properly and alam naman po nila iyong training that comes with, at pati po iyong idea na firearms should be used as defense of oneself or (in) defense of a stranger,” Usana said Tuesday in a televised Laging Handa Public Briefing.

“Ang mga police officers ay responsible enough to make sure na kahit off-duty nila ay kaya nilang pangalagaan ang firearms nila.”

Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca shot to death at point-blank Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank on Sunday right outside their house in Paniqui, Tarlac after a heated confrontation.

The incident has drawn fierce criticisms with hashtags about police abuse such as #StopTheKillingsPH, #JusticeForSonyaGregorio, and #EndPoliceBrutality trending online.

But Usana maintained that the incident was just isolated.

“Ito pong kay Nuezca, isa pong halimbawa ito na hindi niya alam kung bakit siya nagdala ng firearm that time,” he said.

Malacañang has vowed to deliver justice over the killings and assured that President Duterte will not protect Nuezca.

JE