Philippine Authorities Recover Guns from Minors, Highlight Gun Control Law
Quick Look
- 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.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Philippine authorities have tried to rein in gun proliferation in recent years, leading to the approval of Republic Act 10591 in 2013, which aimed to restrict gun ownership.
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.
Open Questions
- How did the minors acquire the firearms?
- What are the legal consequences for the minors?
- How did the revolver from Cebu City reach Tacloban?
