Pro-gun group aims for looser laws (Phillipines)

Philippine Daily Inquirer ^ | 31 May, 2010 | Tarra Quismundo

[marktwain]

MANILA, Philippines—A group of gun enthusiasts is countering police calls for an extension of the election gun ban with its own call for laws liberalizing gun ownership.

The Gun Enthusiasts Confederation of the Philippines (GECP) argued that loosening restrictions on firearms ownership would, in fact, deter violence.

GECP president Perry Punla said the group’s “total pro-gun” proposal would prevent rather than spur inappropriate gun use because gun owners would be held liable in court.

Punla also called for simplified regulations on gun ownership. He said a gun owner’s license should likewise be recognized as a permit to bear arms, doing away with the current requirement for firearm owners to obtain separate permits—to own guns and to carry them.

Punla likened a deadly weapon to a car: “To those saying that guns are deadly, that’s the wrong notion because what’s deadly is the person who handles the gun. This is not different from a driver: It’s not the car that kills but the driver.”

Punla said the Philippine National Police (PNP) was undermanned and could not protect all the citizens.

The PNP, on the other hand, is calling for the extension of the gun ban beyond the election period that will end on June 9. The PNP noted that firearms had cost lives even in simple traffic-related quarrels.

At a press conference at Camp Crame last week, PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa clarified that he was not proposing a total gun ban but rather “gun control,” where people would be allowed to carry weapons but under strict controls.

He said the police organization would discuss and propose “innovations” for enhanced gun control legislation during the second National Firearms Control Summit proposed to be held on June 2.

[marktwain]

People in the Phillipines are fighting to get liberties that most people in most states have. Too bad they do not have a Second Amendment in their constitution.

[knarf]

Filipino's are a proud and industrious people and are worthy of the rights and freedoms that promote a righteous and peaceful society.

The recent presidential election showed how fierce they are to be free and independent.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

My dad and I were in Manila in 1959 when our cab driver accidentally ran into the back of another cab. That driver stepped out, pulled a .45 and fired in our general direction (hitting buildings behind us.)
Our driver pulled his own .45 and fired into the engine compartment of the Renault taxi (apparently missing vital organs.)
The issue had been settled. Both drivers got back inside and drove away...

[max americana]

My brother is married to a Filipina so we spent the summer in Cebu and Manila 4 years ago. The new relatives proudly showed me their Berettas, S&W’s, Colts etc. When they accompanied me into the Manila nightclubs, I felt like the president being escorted by secret service dudes LOL