PNP mulls allowing members of auxiliary forces to carry guns

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mulling the arming of members of its auxiliary forces, particularly in Mindanao, to help the local police enforce the law.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon said the PNP is now conducting an inventory of police auxiliary forces nationwide to help the police organization better address the peace and order situation.

Calderon, however, clarified that only “fit and capable” auxiliary force members will be allowed to carry firearms like shotguns, revolvers and other low-caliber firearms.

“We are in the process of assessing the actual number of our auxiliary forces. We might use them in some police operations, but we will see to it that they are capable of defending themselves,” he said.

The auxiliary police program is a volunteer program intended to enhance community-based policing and to provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in law enforcement on an organized basis.

Under the supervision of PNP officials, the auxiliary forces assist the local police and provide a complementary service.

The lack of police personnel apparently prompted the PNP plan to beef up the existing network of auxiliary forces.

At present, there are only 131,000 policemen who are supposed to protect about 84 million Filipinos – or a ratio of one policeman for every 700 citizens.

But if the figure is based on the fact that policemen report for work in three shifts or eight hours per day, the ratio could reach one policeman for every 2,000 citizens.

Calderon said giving training to members of the police auxiliary forces would surely improve peace and order in the country.

This, as President Arroyo tasked the PNP to play an equally important role in addressing the country’s insurgency problem.