Wednesday May, 01 2024 01:47:23 AM

Military bishop opposes rifle ownership for civilians

Local News • 05:45 AM Sun Mar 10, 2024
1
By: 
Ferdinand Patinio
Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio (COURTESY OF CBCP)

MANILA -- Military Ordinariate of the Philippines Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio on Saturday said he does not support the decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to allow civilians to own semi-automatic rifles. 

“Personally, I would not want to have our civilians be allowed to possess semi-automatic rifles or any rifles for that matter," he said in an interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas. 

"We are a poor country. Why will we need those guns? Give them to authorities. If civilians are allowed to have guns, it might cause another big problem," added Florencio. 

The military ordinariate cited as an example the United States where mass shootings frequently happen. 

“In America, why do they have such a problem? Because they have a very lax law, wherein anyone can own a gun without that responsibility over a deadly weapon," he said. 

The PNP has amended the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, to allow civilians to register cal. 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles and guns with lower calibers. 

In a press briefing last week, Senator Francis Tolentino said authorities "should choose the right people who can possess  and carry this kind of gun." 

Senators Imee Marcos and Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile warned against a rise in criminality, arms smuggling and violence, especially in the 2025 midterm elections. (PNA)

Pagpatay sa IP kagawad sa Datu Hoffer, MagSur, kinundina ni MP Froilyn Mendoza

MAHIGPIT NA KINUNDINA NI BARMM Member of Parliament Froilyn Mendoza ang pagpatay kay Barangay Kagawad Timuay Juanito Promboy ng Barangay Tuayan, Datu...

Dahilan ng blackout sa Kidapawan City, bumagsak na puno

KIDAPAWAN CITY - COTELCO team has found the fault that triggered a blackout across the city - a huge centenial tree hit the 69kV line between...

Cotabato Light announces May 3 power service interruption

COTABATO CITY - The Cotabato Light and Power Company has announced a scheduled power interruption affecting Semba, D.O.S. on Friday, May 3, 2024,...

Lapiz, Abella Shine in Manila Leg of 2024 National MILO Marathon

MANILA, Philippines– Two familiar faces have emerged triumphant in the 42K centerpiece event of the Manila Leg of the National MILO Marathon in...

Cotelco announces labor day brownout in Mlang

TO OUR VALUED MEMBER-CONSUMER-OWNERS (MCO): This is to inform you that we will have an EMERGENCY power interruption on the following scheduled...