Since the nationwide gun ban took place last January 10, the number of crimes across the country fell by 12 percent, the Philippine National Police said on Thursday, a day after the restricted period lapsed.
However, Chief Superintendent Ager Ontog Jr. of the PNP's National Elections Monitoring Action Center, said it is unlikely for a permanent gun ban to take place despite the benefits reaped from the Commission on Elections-implemented policy.
Nearly 3,000 people, including over 200 government employees, were arrested since the ban's implementation.
"Ang gun ban po at election period ay officially nagtapos ng June 9. Noong Friday, nagkaroon ng summit sa National Firearm Control Program at tinalakay ang experience. Bumaba ang crime rate by about 12 percent," Ontog said.
(The gun ban and election period officially ended on June 9. Last Friday, we held a summit on the National Firearm Control Program and the police tackled its experience. The crime rate plunged by about 12 percent.)
Earlier, the PNP pushed for a permanent total gun ban and met with stakeholders who could be affected by the restriction. But on Thursday, Ontog said the proposal did not sit well with several parties.
Despite this, and even if the gun ban had already lapsed, the PNP would put in place tighter measures on gun control, such as stricter measures for those applying for Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR).
"Ang checkpoints ay patuloy na gagawin (We would continue putting up checkpoints)," Ontog said. — Sophia Dedace/RSJ
