MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo opposed yesterday President Duterte’s proposal to arm village officials.
“I’m not in favor because this is not the mandate of barangay officials. Barangay officials perform executive functions... We have peacekeeping institutions... the police... the military,” Robredo said in an interview in Naga City.
Robredo said arming barangay officials would not address local peace and order problems.
Opposition members said the proposal would also create private armies and a culture of violence.
Duterte said he “might consider” arming barangay chiefs even as he vowed to support those who would get in trouble for helping in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Malacañang said the proposal to arm barangay officials is still under study.
“It will be subject to the requirements of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philipine National Police)... It is still being studied by the President and has not been implemented,” Roque told a press briefing.
He said the President is aware that government-issued firearms might end up in the wrong hands.
“I think the PNP has the discretion on who should be given gun licenses and permits to carry...Those with bad record would not be given (permits),” Roque said. – Alexis Romero