News Update Coalition launched to oppose gun ban

MANILA, Philippines - A newly formed multi sectoral group expressed strong opposition and threatened to file a lawsuit against the Philippine National Police in case it insists on extending the implementation of the gun ban beyond June 9.

The Article 2, Section 5 (A2S5) Coalition, composed of professionals like judges, lawyers, members of the media, businessmen and others from various sectors of society, was launched yesterday to push for the rights of the citizens to protect their lives and property.

“We are not only fighting to allow us to carry our firearms but to protect our lives,” said lawyer Banjo Navarro III, A2S5 Coalition interim spokesman.

During the launching of the coalition at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan yesterday morning, the A2S5 Coalition declared and upheld an eight-point agenda to oppose any attempt to permanently prohibit or ban the privilege of a Filipino to carry a licensed firearm outside the residence or business of the legitimate firearm owner.

The A2S5 Coalition derived its name from a clause in the Constitution that states that “the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.”

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa earlier said the PNP might extend the gun ban beyond June 9 because the measure appeared to be effective in deterring crimes. The Commission on Elections imposed nationwide gun ban from Jan. 10 to June 9 in connection with the May 10 elections.

Gun control permit

To tackle the issues on gun control, including the possible gun ban extension, the PNP set the 2nd National Gun Control Summit on June 4 at the PNP Multi-Purpose Hall in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

In its manifesto signed by 21 representatives, the A2S5 Coalition maintained that every Filipino has the right to a peaceful and decent life and to pursue a productive and legitimate business. “Every Filipino has the right to protect our rights as far as his or her person, family or business is concerned.”

The A2S5 Coalition said “every Filipino expects the government authorities, military and police, to uphold and protect the rights to life and business.”

“Admittedly, statistics show that the government authorities may not always be there when the occasion requires for the protection of said rights,” Navarro said.

Navarro cited the case of former councilor Sonny Parsons, whose house was attacked by robbers several times in the past. Fortunately, Parsons was a trained shooter and prevented the criminals from hurting members of his family. “On such occasions, the Filipino should have the privilege to use legitimate and reasonable means to protect himself or herself, family and business,” said the manifesto. “Inclusive and inherent, to enforce such privilege, the Filipino should be allowed to carry a legitimate and licensed firearm even outside household or place of business.”

While pushing for their right to protect lives and properties, the A2S5 Coalition said “together with this privilege, we uphold responsible gun ownership.”

During discussion, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio suggested that the A2S5 should adopt “Plan B” by filing a lawsuit in the event the PNP ignored their plea and extend the suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside residence.

Topacio said a lawsuit for declaratory relief can be filed in court in case the gun ban is extended by the PNP. The A2S5 Coalition also formed a legal committee to handle all legal strategy of the group.

Relatedly, the PNP has apparently blinked on its earlier stand to extend the gun ban following strong opposition from various sectors to the plan.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said all the issues concerning the gun control program – for and against – will be tackled during the summit.

“The decision will be based on the collective consensus from all stakeholders and not a unilateral decision,” said Espina.

The existing gun ban was imposed by the Comelec in connection with the election period but the PNP could not yet disclose their lawful basis for the possible extension of the gun ban other than the measure appeared to be effective in deterring crimes.

Ang Kapatiran, the political party established by Nandy Pacheco, a known anti-gun advocate yesterday confirmed their attendance to the summit on Friday at Camp Crame which will discuss the possibility of extending the gun ban beyond the end of the election period.

The election period gun ban which was imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will end on Wednesday.

Earlier, satisfied with the result of the gun ban, PNP chief Director General Jesus Versoza said he is toying with the idea of proposing an extension of the gun ban beyond the end of the election period.

“We are supportive of that proposal. We will be attending the summit,” said Ang Kapatiran presidential bet and former Olongapo City councilor John Carlos “JC” Delos Reyes.

Delos Reyes said their group will be represented at the summit by Pacheco.

Delos Reyes said that Ang Kapatiran will also be ready to go toe-to-toe with pro-gun groups which are opposing the proposed extension of the gun ban.With Mike Frialde - By Cecille Suerte Felipe

News Update PNP to hold summit on extended gun ban

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to hold the 2nd National Gun Control Summit before the end of the month to discuss whether or not to extend the nationwide gun ban, which will expire on June 9.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the summit was also meant to find out the sentiment and concerns of the different sectors of society on gun control.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) imposed the nationwide gun ban from Jan. 10 to June 9 in connection with the May 10 national and local elections. The Comelec and the PNP assessed that nationwide gun ban was one of the major factors for the most peaceful and orderly elections in the Philippine history.

“It will be one interesting topic. We will invite all of you, we may even use the summit in looking for effective measures in protecting yourself (other than carrying firearms),” Verzosa said.

Verzosa said representatives from gun owners’ groups, Gunless Society, firearms dealers, the National Bureau of Investigation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and media organizations will be invited to the summit.

Earlier, Verzosa revealed plans of permanently suspending the issuance of permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) even after the election period because of the apparent success of the total gun ban in curbing crimes. “But we have to consult all the stakeholders,” he said.

The PNP held the first gun summit in May 2009, after which the PNP leadership recommended to President Arroyo to grant amnesty to holders of loose firearms.

The President ordered the PNP to implement the gun amnesty program from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, 2009 as the PNP estimated that there were about 1.1 million loose firearms nationwide. The PNP said 97 percent of loose firearms are used in committing crimes. - By Cecille Suerte Felipe