MANILA, Philippines — Senators from the minority bloc on Monday opposed a plan to arm anti-crime civilian groups, saying it would not address the problem of criminality and poverty in the country. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon in a statement said such a proposal would not deter crimes, which are driven by factors such as poverty, hunger and joblessness. Drilon said the PNP should instead implement better firearm licensing regulations and intensify operations against loose firearms. Data from the police has acknowledged that almost 99% of firearms used in crimes are loose firearms, or guns with unrenewed license. "Let's not give opportunity to non-state actors such as anti-crime civilian groups to become abusive from this mandate," she said in Filipino.

Source: Philippine Star June 28, 2021 10:30 UTC