Duterte mulling purchase of weapons for brgy officials

President Duterte is looking for funds for the purchase of weapons that will be distributed to barangay captains as part of the anti-crime drive.

The President said he was considering acquiring shotguns or .22 magnum handguns for barangay officials for their protection from the “rampaging” criminality.

“You have to help. Shotgun lang kailangan ninyo. Actually one of the deadliest firearms in confrontation is shotgun. Wala kang miss dyan [You have to help. You only need a shotgun. Actually, a shotgun is the deadliest firearm in a confrontation. You won’t miss],” Duterte said during the oath-taking of newly elected Northern Mindanao barangay captains in Cagayan de Oro City Monday.

“I’m looking, i-bidding natin ‘yan. I really want the sturdy one. Maghanap ako ng pera [I’m looking, we will conduct a bidding. I really want the sturdy one. I will look for funds],” he added.

Before distributing the guns, Duterte assured that barangay officials would undergo seminars on how to properly handle the weapons for their “self-defense.”

“If you carry these things, be sure that you’re carrying it legally. We will conduct seminars before you (carry weapons),” he said.

“Maybe I’ll allow you pero yung mga armalite, it’s out of the question. .22 will do. Hindi ako magbibigay ng mga powerful (weapons), hindi mo na kailangan [Maybe I’ll allow you but the armalite, it’s out of the question. A .22 will do. I will not give you powerful weapons. You don’t need it],” he said.

Duterte admitted that the government needed the cooperation of the barangay officials to ensure the safety and protection of the people.

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He mentioned a recent survey that showed many families still feared about their safety when leaving their houses. He lamented that families still fell victims to break-ins, robbery, and common crimes.

“You are mandated by law to enforce national law. If you are a part of a municipality then you become a part of the Executive department, local and you’d take care that the laws are faithfully executed,” he said.

“Now in times of crisis such as now, there’s a rampaging crime out of control,” he added.

President Duterte earlier said he was eyeing the possibility of arming barangay chiefs to protect them in the battle against drugs and crimes. Duterte said only those serious in the anti-crime campaign would likely be given weapons by the government.