Philippine Authorities Recover Guns from Minors, Highlight Gun Control Law
L'essentiel
- Philippine authorities recovered a 9mm pistol and a .38 calibre revolver from two minors, aged 14 and 15, in Tacloban.
- The revolver was traced to a security agency in Cebu City.
- This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to control gun proliferation and the provisions of Republic Act 10591.
Résumé généré par IA
In a press briefing on Monday, PNP spokesman Police Colonel Allen Rae Co, said a 9mm pistol was recovered from the 14-year-old suspect while a .38 calibre revolver was taken from the 15-year-old. Co said the revolver had been traced to a security agency all the way in Cebu City, some 240km (150 miles) from Tacloban.
Philippine authorities have tried to rein in gun proliferation in recent years. In 2013, Congress – many of whose members purportedly have large gun collections – approved a new law restricting gun ownership. Then president Benigno Aquino III, himself a gun enthusiast, signed Republic Act 10591.
Lawmakers and gun owners hailed RA10591 as the most restrictive law the country has ever had on gun ownership, although it clearly states that a Type 5 licence can be issued to “a citizen, who is a certified gun collector, to own and possess more than 15 registered firearms”, with no limit stated.
On paper, RA10591 is strict on acquiring and owning guns. Before they can buy a firearm, Filipinos have to get a licence, which requires police clearance, attending a gun safety seminar, and successfully passing drug and psychiatric tests.
