3 in PB push for ‘gun-less society’

THREE provincial lawmakers want to promote Cebu as a gun-less society.

In a proposed resolution, they urged Provincial Police Chief Erson Digal to strictly implement laws against the illegal possession of firearms.

Provincial Board (PB) Members Thadeo Ouano and his son, Alfred Francis, together with PB Member Sun Shimura, said the province is “once again shaken by a series of bloody incidents caused by firearms illegally possessed by private citizens and even recklessly handled by a few police personnel.”

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The elder Ouano, vice chairman of the committee on public safety, peace and order, drafted the resolution. Shimura chairs the committee.

They said loose firearms “increase crimes critically” and endanger personal safety, public order, economic growth and tourism, as well as raise the risk of damage to property.

“Recent shooting incidents are even mostly engaged by minors, be it members of a gang, fraternity, robbers or even in a gun-for-hire activity,” the resolution said.

“To stop these criminal incidents, it is highly requested to initiate a massive checkpoint, track down, recall, collect and penalize persons manufacturing, possessing firearms and ammunition,” it added.

In June, there were calls to extend the gun ban enforced for 90 days during the election period, with proponents saying the ban helped curb crime.

But opponents of extending the ban pointed out it only protected lawless elements, while depriving responsible gun owners of protection.

Before the PB could take up the draft resolution, two men and a minor survived after being shot in two separate occasions last Friday night in Cebu Province.

The first incident took place in Carcar City. The victims were passengers of a motorcycle driven by 21-year-old Ariel Apura Gemoya.

Ariel was ferrying his brother Welito, 18, and a 16-year-old boy from the city plaza to their home in Barangay Liburon at 8:30 p.m. When they reached the corner leading to Sitio Dapdap, Barangay Poblacion 3, another motorcycle with two men aboard began to follow them.

Without provocation, one of the passengers of the second motorcycle fired at them. Welito was shot in the arm while the minor was hit in the left side of his body.

The attackers fled while the teens were taken to the Carcar City Emergency Hospital before they were transferred to Cebu City.

In Danao City, a farmer who had just delivered coconut lumber was shot several times by a still unidentified gunman.

Amelito Capuno Casona, 38, said he was suddenly blocked by a man and was shot in his right arm, right hip and back around 7 p.m. in Barangay Sibacan.

Police have yet to determine the motive for the attack.