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Friday, March 29, 2024

Law allows village chiefs to carry firearms–Roque

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Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has said that under the law, it is acceptable to arm barangay officials.

Speaking before reporters in a media briefing, Roque said that Chapter 3, Section 389, C of the Local Government Code of the Philippines states that “Punong Barangay shall be entitled to possess and carry the necessary firearm within his territorial jurisdiction, subject to appropriate rules and regulations.”

But Roque clarified that arming the barangay officials is still being studied by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, following the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte that he wants to arm barangay officials to ensure their protection in the war of drugs and criminality. He said that what the President has said is not yet final.

Roque added that arming barangay officials will not only be subject to the law but also the requirements of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Some also expressed concerns that the arming of barangay officials is a risky move since there is a list of barangay officials who are allegedly part of the illegal drug trade, which defeats the very purpose of the declaration.

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Vice President Leni Robredo also expressed her disapproval on the move to arm barangay chairmen.

During a chance interview, Robredo said that it is not the duty of the barangay officials to carry firearms.

“As far as I am concerned, I do not favor such because that is not the mandate of the barangay officials. They are mandated to perform executive functions,” she said.

She added that allowing barangay chairmen to carry firearms is not an assurance to achieve and maintain peace and order within their jurisdiction.

She said that the police and military have the mandate to ensure the country’s peace and order as well as the security of the people.

“To carry a firearm is not the answer to peace and order [problem]. There are so many ways to do so without arming barangay officials,” she added. With Evalea Casaljay

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