Statement von pax christi Philippines
08. Jan 2013
How many more lives will be claimed in this country where private arms ownership is placed at 4.2 million by the Geneva-based group Small Arms Survey and where loose firearms is placed at 1.1 million by the Philippine National Police.Regions and states with higher rates of gun ownership have significantly higher rates of homicide than states with lower rates of gun ownership". It is not surprising then that in the Philippines, approximately 16-20 people die from gun violence every day (PhilANSA, 2008).
PhilANCA calls for stricter gun control to abate gun violence. The ambivalent stance of the government regarding civilian gun ownership has created a legal regime that has become too lax on the number of guns in the hands of civilians, as well as the type and caliber one can own. We need a more decisive hand from the national government to address gun violence.
First, we call on our legislators from both the local and national levels to strictly implement existing laws and regulations concerning civilian acquisition and ownership of firearms. Do existing neuropsychological exams required for gun licensing truly measure the applicant’s mental and psychological fitness to responsibly own a gun? How can the likes of Ronald Bae pass neuropsychological tests? Laws on gun possession like PD1866 (as amended by RA 8294 and RA 9516) must be reviewed to determine if it satisfies the necessary measures to ensure that guns do not fall in the wrong hands.
Likewise, stiffer penalties for violations must be enacted. Second, we call on the Philippine Government to revoke Executive Order 164 which allows the civilians’ possession of unlimited number of firearms of any type and/or caliber.
Third, the Philippines should strengthen its support for the adoption of a robust Arms Trade Treaty at the United Nations - one that would include ammunition in the scope of weapons that will be regulated.
As we saw in the Bae rampage, the death of many was caused by the continuous reloading of ammunition to his weapon. Guns are useless without bullets. An Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that does not control ammunition will not achieve its intended purpose.
Fourth, we call on the government to design and implement a program that will effectively round up loose and illegal firearms. Statistics repeatedly show that most crimes have been largely facilitated by loose and illegal firearms. Finally, we call on the government to put in place an extended total gun ban not only during the 2013 election period but for the entire 2013. Innocent lives have been lost due to the unwavering position of the government regarding civilian gun ownership.
The time to act is now.