THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) expressed support on the proposed arming of the barangay captains for their protection against threat which they may get as they participate in the government's anti-criminality and illegal drugs campaign.
DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said letting barangay captains have either their personal of government-issued firearm along with them as they perform their duties is a form of self-protection and is a viable plan depending on the gravity of threat they are receiving based on the level of barangay affectations posed by threat groups like drug syndicates and terrorists.
"As they are our first line of defense in the grassroots level, their exposure to various scalawags and criminal elements is high. The need for urgent protection is therefore imperative," he said.
"Arming them would be more of self-defense purposes since we have enough police forces to operate against lawless elements," he added.
Año said barangay captains who feel the need of being armed may buy their own firearms legally and can be granted permit to carry or they may also be accepted as CAFGUS or Special Civilian Armed Forces so that they can be issued with government firearms and mission orders.
He said in that way, barangay captains can fully support law emforcement in their areas of responsibility without having to fear for their lives.
On Tuesday, June 12, during the mass oath taking of Central Luzon barangay chiefs in Pampanga, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was considering arming barangay chiefs to ensure their protection in the war against drugs and criminality.
He also said he will support them if ever they have to face charges while performing their duties.
"Remember this. Pag nagka-atraso kayo and there is a case filed against you and you think you are in the performance of your duty as a barangay (captain) tapos napatay mo o nabugbog mo. Do not be afraid. The only thing i ask of you is.. Kung mali mo, huwag ka nang lumapit sa akin," he said.
However Duterte's idea gained criticisms from several lawmakers.
Congressman Edgar Erice of Caloocan and Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat that arming barangay chiefs may impose greater threat against the public.
"Arming barangay captains of the 40,000 barangays simply means creating a private army of political kingpins in cities, provinces and municipalities," Erice said.
However, DILG Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya ensured that such a policy will be backed up by DILG guidelines that will ensure its correct and proper implementation.
He said that in the section 387 of the Local Government Code village chiefs are allowed to be issued a firearm within his territorial jurisdiction but it should be a subject to appropriate rules and regulations.
"We are looking at this possibility as we have been working and studying the mechanics to ensure its proper implementation. We will issue the directive in due time after considering the perspective of various stakeholders," said Malaya.
"For the meantime, let's keep an open mind. Rest assured that the safety and security of the barangays and the residents are our outmost concern," he added. (SunStar Philippines)