CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor Roger Abaday is proposing to allow traffic enforcers carry firearms for their safety.
Abaday, a licensed criminologist, moved to pass a resolution that would enable Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) enforcers carry firearms during operations “as their work is becoming complex and risky”.
“[This is a] deterrent or prevention sa would-be nga mag-atake sa ila, naay makita nila nga armado sab sila medyo sab mataha, mahadlok. Dili kana siya pamusil,” Abaday said.
Abaday said while RTA enforcers will be allowed to carry firearms, they be required to get permits or licenses to possess, own and carry the firearms.
To train them for the responsible handling of firearms, Abaday said the traffic enforcers will be advised to avail membership of a gun club.
On February 28, RTA enforcer Mark Langam was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Barangay Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City.
Langam was part of the team enforcing the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG’s) order of the road clearing and tricycle ban on national highways.
“Ato ning gihimo for protection and safety sa atong mga RTA personnel because ang ilang trabaho is becoming nakalisod na, nakadako na. It gives imminent danger sa ilang position kay wala na silay mga armas,” Abaday said.
“Kinahanglan gyud sila naay defense,” he added.
However, City Councilor Romeo Calizo opposed Abaday’s proposal
Calizo, a retired army general, said only those who have undergone proper should possess and use firearms.
Antonio Resma Jr., the inspectorate team leader of the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB), welcomed Abaday’s proposal but added it is unnecessary.
“Security-wise that would be good gihapon kay at least personally ma-secure gyud sa atong mga enforcers individually ang ilang kaugalingon,” Resma said.
However, he added, having RTA enforcers carry their guns might send a wrong signal.
“Dili man atoang target nga makigpinusila or mosukol in that way nga pusilon or mag shooting lugar,” Resma said.
He said the support and security measures provided by the Philippines National Police, through the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, is already adequate when implementing traffic rules and regulations.