JV Ejercito sounds alarm over private guards owning high-powered firearms
September 15, 2022
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on
Thursday said the Philippine National Police (PNP) should look into the
proliferation of high-powered weapons among private guards, especially those
hired by foreign nationals.
“Why are they using high powered weapons? May
mga nakita akong parang mga high powered assault rifles na maliliit,” he said
during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs
on the recent spate of kidnappings and disappearances across the country.
“Please continue investigating kasi
nakakatakot. Alam niyo, if you go around this area, ang daming Chinese
nationals, foreigners, ang dami-dami nilang mga bodyguards na private,” he
added.
Lt. Gen. Jose Chiquito Malayo, deputy chief
for administration of the PNP, said private guards are not authorized to carry
high-powered firearms.
“That is also under our investigation. Because
they are not authorized for high-powered firearms. Part po ‘yon sa finofollow
up natin,” he said.
Malayo also clarified the PNP’s protocols on
the deployment of its security personnel for the protection of certain persons,
as well as existing rules on the recruitment of private bodyguards.
“All detailed security of the PNP are required
to wear their uniform so as not to create confusion and as far as the
protective agents are concerned, they are only allowed two bodyguards. Di
pwedeng sobra-sobra, Sir,” he said.
Ejercito had earlier filed Proposed Senate
Resolution No. 194, which seeks to direct the Senate Committee on Public Order
and Dangerous Drugs to conduct a probe on these “alarming” cases of kidnapping,
abduction, and disappearances, especially those against women, Philippine
Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers, and Filipino-Chinese individuals.
The said resolution highlighted the alleged
kidnapping of a Chinese national in broad daylight along the Skyway elevated
highway and the documented torture of a male victim whose ear was cut off.
“Definitely, peace and order situation is the
biggest factor in having a climate conducive for business to grow for us to be
able to rebuild the economy after the pandemic. Kailangan po maganda ang peace
and order situation. Ngayon pa lang tayo nakakabuwelo after the two years of
lockdown in the pandemic,” he said.
“We have to verify the authenticity of these videos so
that we can attack the problems already head on and not cause panic sa ating
mamamayan at business sector,” he added.
