What gun ban?

DISTURBING TV news footage of the week, so far was GMA's Wednesday evening's item covering the aftermath of a riot--I've forgotten where--and the sight of apparent civilians running about waving their guns.

The hubbub was a mix of onlookers, maybe suspects, maybe not suspects and police all barging about and shouting at each other.

Suddenly, a guy in civvies pulls a gun, another slaps his holster, the weapon very evident. The first guy, waving his pistol in a distinctly threatening manner, runs after a maybe trouble-maker.

Who are these guys? A stranger to the area would have immediately marked them down as the usual Filipino “toughs” being tough with the aid of a few shots under their belt and a 9 mill to wave. The police patrolmen were in uniform, a barangay man was evident from his black and stenciled T-shirt but who were the other two?

Presumably, they were there in some sort of official capacity and on duty but if so why weren't they wearing a recognizable uniform?

August because of the Kadawayan festival has been declared a gun-free month. There's a gun ban in force, police checkpoints all over the place, Juan de la Cruz being frisked here, there and everywhere.

So, what is the general public supposed to make of two apparent civilians running around brandishing pistols and in a threatening manner? What sort of example is that? The police should have loaded them into the van with the rioters.

Out of uniform, waving pistols around and during a citywide gun ban. That is WRONG.-- from Sun. Star Davao