Duterte hasn’t dropped idea of arming civilian anti-crime volunteers

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has not dropped his idea of arming members of civilian anti-crime groups, the Palace said on Monday, amid warnings by government officials and various sectors that the move could lead to human rights abuses. Mr. Duterte made the recommendation last week during the launch of a civilian anti-crime coalition, which is composed of organizations that would partner with the police in promoting peace and order. Presidential Spokesperson Herminio L. Roque, Jr., in a televised news briefing on Monday, clarified that the recommendation is not yet final and would probably be subject to full staff work. “If that becomes policy,” he said in Filipino, “I’m sure there will be corresponding training.” The Palace official echoed Police chief Guillermo T. Eleazar’s statement that the civilian volunteers should be armed to protect themselves against criminals. Mr. Eleazar earlier said the idea is meant to encourage volunteerism, not vigilantism. The Philippine Commission on Human Rights earlier said “arming civilians without proper training, qualification, and clear lines of accountabilities may lead to lawlessness and proliferation of arms,” which could worsen the country’s human rights situation. “The Philippine National Police is more than enough,” it said. Senators on Monday also expressed opposition to the proposal, citing the potential for abuse of powers. In a statement, Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel called on the police chief to review the plan of the administration, nothing that crime rate during the previous administration was low without the need for more police powers. Instead of arming citizens, communities should be helped. Police should not “outsource” their duty to maintain peace and should be involved with the citizens to understand their needs, she said. Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, in a separate statement, said more guns will not make a country safe and will not help address other issues such as poverty, hunger and unemployment. “More guns will not bring back investor’s confidence,” he said. “What the government needs to do is to bring back good governance to address the causes of criminality which are poverty, hunger and joblessness. These are the main factors that drive people to commit crimes.”