IN the matter of loose firearms, we might consider the case of Bayawan City in Negros Oriental, home province of slain Gov. Roel Degamo, as a special case. It is because military-grade firearms, assault rifles, grenade launchers and similar items were confiscated by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) there. The presence of loose firearms in that city is an offshoot of politics and has many ramifications so that it deserves another full discussion.
Loose firearms include handguns that had been bought legally and with complete licenses but these had expired, and over the years, remained with the original owners. There are also home-made firearms which are not eligible for registration, but can still hurt and kill. Both categories are deadly, especially in the hands of criminals, bullies and braggarts.
In Metro Manila, there have been many incidents of violence involving loose firearms these past few days. Let us cite at least three incidents, happening within days of each other.
Rolly Algarme, a motorist whose car was clamped in Malate, Manila, shot dead a barangay councilor inside a bar over a parking argument. The incident was captured by a security camera in the place.
‘Since more innocent civilians are bound to die from these shootouts involving loose firearms, we hope that the NCRPO will move faster and make good on its word.’
Algarme is accused of shooting Barangay 698 kagawad Jesus Carmona after his vehicle was clamped by the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau for illegal parking. He is now facing charges of murder, attempted murder and malicious mischief. Waitress Donna Sabenacio was wounded by a stray bullet during the incident.
In Taguig City, a man was arrested with several high-powered firearms and ammunition on Friday night, according to the Southern Police District. Ronnie Gonzales was arrested after police implemented a search warrant issued by the Taguig regional trial court and confiscated an M3 .45-caliber sub-machine gun, an M16 A1 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol and a SAM .45-caliber ACP pistol from him.
Police also seized 14 magazines, a suppressor, 548 rounds of various ammunition, and an ammo box. He faces charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
An Army soldier who allegedly sexually harassed a waitress and pointed his handgun at customers of a restobar in Quezon City was arrested along with his companion on Saturday night.
Joel Cervantes, 42, an Army soldier, and Raul Sumalinog, 42, were apprehended by lawmen following a commotion at the Nova Food Park Restobar in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon.
Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Quezon City Police District director, said the two were binge drinking in the restobar when Cervantes grabbed a waitress to kiss her. Cervantes and Sumalinog tried to run when police arrived, but they were finally collared. Policemen confiscated a .45-caliber handgun, two firearm magazines and 19 bullets from them.
These incidents are so many that the police may have become insensitive and lazily reactive in dealing with them. All we hear is a statement from National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo promising that they will intensify their crackdown on loose firearms.
Since more innocent civilians are bound to die from these shootouts involving loose firearms, we hope that the NCRPO will move faster and make good on its word.
