Friday, January 04, 2008 Jakosalem pushes for re-training on handling of guns
WORRIED about the recent incidents of firearm misuse resulting in deaths and injuries, a Cebu City councilor is pushing for police to require civilians and policemen to undergo refresher courses on gun handling and storage.
Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) should help ensure responsible gun ownership and proper handling of firearms both by the public and the police.
He lamented that at least two incidents of firearm misuse, which caused death and injuries, happened last month, with several similar incidents in 2007.
Refresher
“The PNP should make sure that both their own personnel and even civilians who own firearms be re-educated or at least have periodic refresher courses on proper gun handling and storage, focusing on safety as the number one purpose,” Jakosalem said.
Also, the PNP should step up its drive on illegal firearms to keep civilians from owning unlicensed guns, he said.
The Firearms and Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision office of the PNP issues permits to own, carry and transport firearms and explosives for all police, security guards and other civilians.
Last Dec. 28, a three-year-old boy died of a gunshot wound in the chest when PO3 Benjamin Herbias Jr.’ s gun accidentally went off inside his rented room in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, Cebu City.
Strange
An 11-year-old girl was also shot in the chest allegedly by a 12-year-old neighbor in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City last Wednesday.
Jakosalem said it was strange that parents would allow a 12-year-old boy to tinker with his father’s unlicensed firearm and unload its bullets.
In his previous terms as councilor, Jakosalem said he proposed measures seeking to give the police more firearms and provide intensive training in firearm handling, tactics and safety starting in 2003.
“Now I’m concerned that there are still some of them who never went through the training or are simply careless in the storage and handling of their firearms,” the councilor said.
At City Hall, Acting Mayor Michael Rama said they will endorse to Mayor Tomas Osmeña the request of the police to buy bulletproof vests for police operatives. (LCR)
