Lacson calls for tighter gun control after Edsa cop slay

Lacson said limiting its issuance would ensure that only uniformed police and military personnel who are on duty can carry firearms outside their homes. (File Photo: Senator Ping Lacson/Facebook)

MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement stricter gun control measures following the killing of a police officer along Edsa (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) in San Juan City.

In a radio interview, Lacson stressed the need for the PNP to tighten the issuance of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residences (PTCFORs).

Lacson said limiting its issuance would ensure that only uniformed police and military personnel who are on duty can carry firearms outside their homes.

“Firearms are for self-defense against intruders and should be kept at home. Once one brings it outside your house, chances are the owner’s mindset can change and he or she can use it for offense,” Lacson said.

The lawmaker also pushed for stronger gun control legislation to prevent mass shootings similar to other countries.

“We cannot allow a situation that allows mass shootings like in other countries. Neither can we afford the present situation where the country becomes the Wild, Wild West,” he said.

Aside from imposing tighter gun control, he also challenged the PNP to prove that they are capable of protecting the public from criminals.

“Some gun owners’ groups have argued they have no choice but to bring their guns outside their houses because the police cannot protect them. This should be a challenge to the PNP, to show they can protect the public,” he said.

Police Senior Master Sgt. Solomon Cugay was gunned down on Tuesday by motorcycle-riding assailants while on his scooter on the corner of Edsa-Connecticut southbound lane.

PNP chief, General Oscar Albayalde said Cugay was among the PNP personnel included on the 2016 list released by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Albayalde said Cugay was accused of coddling or protecting drug personalities and recycling or selling seized illegal drugs.