Fiscal backs prosecutors' appeal to carry firearms

CEBU, Philippines - Even if they are not handling high profile cases, Talisay City prosecutor Marshal Rubia said he supports the appeal of the National Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines (NPLP) to allow the members to carry firearms for purposes of self defense regardless of the election gun ban.

“Prosecutors should be equipped (with firearms) to counter threats that may arise from handling cases,” Rubia said.

Rubia admits owning a .45 caliber gun and a .38 cal. revolver which were issued to him by the government, which he carried with him everyday for protection, until the Commission on Elections issued the gun ban.

The city prosecutor said that not all of them may have handled high profile cases, but it can not be denied that there are litigants who might “interpret differently” their findings, which could result to threatening or harming the prosecutors involved.

In his office alone, three of the six prosecutors, including him, are armed, said Rubia.

Rubia admitted he was also supposed to apply for exemption of the ban, but was told that it was not possible.

Very recently, the NPLP members had appealed to the Comelec that they be allowed to carry firearms to protect themselves while the gun ban is in effect. The ban was issued late last January and will expire 30 days after the May 10 elections.

NPLP, in its letter request to the Comelec, said that “prosecutors are extremely vulnerable to lawless violence from the numerous criminal elements in our country.”

It further said that their members should be exempted from the gun ban as they are also mandated to prosecute election violations like members of the Comelec.

Although he was not made to sign the request, Rubia said he “personally supports” the move, considering the risks they face everyday. —Liv G. Campo  (FREEMAN NEWS)