Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Gov't lawyer says arming folks v. rebels is illegal By Jay Dooma Balnig
THE Public Attorney's Office (PAO) said Tuesday the move of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in allowing civilians to carry firearms to fight the communist rebels is illegal.
PAO Regional Director Leonardo Engada said civilians are not allowed to possess firearms without the proper permit and license from the government.
Self-defense as basis for the arming could not be justified, he said.
He added that every civilian who wants to own a gun must follow the procedure of procuring the needed permits.
Engada's comments came after the Army's 79th Infantry Battalion based in Camp Fullon, San Jose, Antique allowed civilians to carry firearms so they could protect themselves from the New People's Army.
Lt. Col. Nestor Porculas said folks of Sitio Apong, Barangay Cabladan, Sibalom, Antique can carry homemade firearms while there is still a rebel threat.
Porculas however said the firearms must only be used against the CPP-NPA, particularly the Napoleon Tumagtang Command, which operates in the area.
Tension erupted leading to a mass evacuation because the folks of Cabladan, Sibalom, Antique were afraid that the rebels will involve them after the rebels killed a tanod member.
Tension erupted leading to a mass evacuation in Cabladan, Sibalom, Antique after rebels killed a village police and caused fear among residents in the area.
"Ka Areston Remus" of the Southern Front Panay Committee of the New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in his letter admitted to the killing of Jomar Magalan.
Remus added that what they did to Magalan was punishment to what he did to the movement and the community is not liable for his actions.
In their press statement, the rebels assured the public that peace and order in the area will reign after Magalan's death.
They seized and killed Magalan in Sitio Danao because they believe that Magalan committed offenses against the movement.
Magalan was reported to be a military informer.
No authority
Engada added that local police and army are not in the position to give a go signal for civilians to carry firearms.
He also considers filing charges for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-gun ban should they continue to carry firearms.
