Vigilance, stricter gun registration needed to prevent crime – Palace

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday said vigilance of communities and stricter implementation of the firearms registration system were some of the things that would help curb crime in the country.

The statement came as government officials continue to think of ways to address the killings perpetrated by motorcycle-riding assassins. Also recently highlighted by media was the case of a 26-year-old woman who was gang-raped and murdered in Bulacan.

“Patuloy ‘yung pagkilos ng ating pamahalaan para tiyakin ang kaligtasan at kapanatagan ng ating mga mamamayan (The government continues to ensure the safety of our citizens.),” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. told Palace reporters.

He said an important element of crime prevention was the close coordination of the police and the community. He said vigilance on the part of the public will help them avoid criminals. At the same time, they could also inform law enforcers of suspicious acts.

“Nakikita rin naman natin ‘yung patuloy na pagsisikap ng ating pamahalaan na ayusin ang sistema ng pagrerehistro at pagbibigay ng lisensiya sa armas dahil ‘yung proliferation of loose firearms ay isa sa mga dahilan sa pagsasagawa ng krimen ng mga criminal sydicates,” Coloma said.

(We now also see the perseverance of the government to fix the registration system and issuance of gun licenses since the proliferation of loose firearms allows syndicates to commit crimes.)

He said the government’s crime prevention drive also involves the distribution of adequate and modern equipment to the Philippine National Police.

During his fifth State of the Nation Address last July, President Benigno Aquino III said the government has already reached the 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio.

A speedy criminal justice system is also necessary to discourage criminals, Coloma said.

“Kapag nahuli ‘yung mga suspect at nasampahan ng kaso, kinakailagan din ay maisulong ‘yung litigasyon at ‘yung pagpapasya, at dahil kung matagal naman ‘yung na nabibinbin ang mga kaso, ‘yon din ang nagbibigay lakas loob sa mga criminal,” he said.

(When a suspect is arrested and charged, the litigation and the judgment should immediately follow because delayed cases will only embolden criminals.)

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