Palace aide: Call for arming traffic enforcers needs close study

MANILA, Philippines –The proposal by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to arm traffic enforcers with guns has to be carefully studied, a Malacañang spokeswoman said Saturday.

“Perhaps, there should be a thorough study, a calm review of what happened,” deputy Palace spokesperson Abigail ValteValte said on radio. “We can’t say that it’s the same case for all traffic enforcers. Is there really a need, are there funds available, and do they have the capability to be responsible wielders of guns?”

Told that a recent television survey showed most respondents did not want traffic enforcers to have guns, Valte said, “That’s what the people said. That should also be considered because there is also the safety aspect.”