Solon pushes stricter gun control regulations

Llagas — who was reportedly drunk according to a police report — shot Quiambao three times in the back and was declared dead on arrival when he was brought to the hospital

DAVAO CITY — First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte has called on the Philippine National Police to strengthen its efforts in imposing more rigid screening procedures in issuing licenses to possess and carry firearms.

This comes after a traffic enforcer was shot dead by a drunk motorcycle rider in Tanza, Cavite.

Reports said that William Mentes Quiambao, the traffic enforcer, reportedly apprehended the suspect identified as Joseph Llagas which led to a heated argument.

Llagas — who was reportedly drunk according to a police report — shot Quiambao three times in the back and was declared dead on arrival when he was brought to the hospital.

In a statement Wednesday, Duterte said it is just one case that shows why the PNP should revisit its regulations and procedures in issuing gun ownership licenses.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the PNP to strengthen its efforts on gun control. The PNP should not wait for a similar incident to happen again before it acts to institute reforms in issuing gun ownership licenses,” Duterte said.

The lawmaker said he had received reports of gun stores telling potential buyers that they can bypass and need not take the neuro-psychiatric clearance and even the drug test requirement in obtaining a License to Own and Possess a Firearm, which is a prerequisite to be able to purchase a firearm.

“The PNP cannot afford to be lenient in imposing these requirements if it wants to ensure that it issues licenses only to responsible and mentally stable gun owners. One of the requirements for gun owners is to pass a neuropsychiatric examination, which in several instances, can be bought by applicants for a fee,” Duterte said.

The Davao City solon added that the latest incident involving a helpless victim of gun violence and the rape-slay of a young female architect in this city have prompted him to renew his call for Congress to pass a law reinstating the death penalty for heinous crimes.

Last year, Duterte, along with Benguet Representative Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap, filed House Bill 501 which aims to reinstate the death penalty for certain heinous crimes — including murder with attendant circumstances — and rape with homicide.

“Now, more than ever is the time to restore the death penalty in the country because we must not be too complacent with these criminals at the expense of the safety of the whole nation,” said the solons on the proposed measure.