Checking donated guns a prerogative of Garma— Labella

CEBU, Philippines — Incoming Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella respects Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Royina Garma’s decision to check first the 437 firearms that will be donated to the city police.

 “It’s good to be prudent and circumspect, especially if you will be holding firearms that would kill. I think, this is not just an ordinary firearms, these are high-powered firearms,” Labella told reporters yesterday.

This was in response to Garma’s earlier statement that she needs to check the condition and the specification of the firearms before accepting them.

The Cebu City Council recently passed a resolution donating the firearms to CPPO in a bid to help “fully equip the police force during the performance of their duties especially in the routinely arrest of the outlaws.”

Garma clarified though that CCPO personnel are fully equipped with firearms.

The mayor-elect said there is nothing wrong with checking the firearms.

“Let us respect the decision of good Col. Garma. It’s important to check them if they are in good condition. Checking the firearms is her prerogative,” he said.

Councilor David Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters and the chairman of the City Council's committee on public order and safety, said CCPO is welcome to check the gun specifications.

Tumulak, who lobbied for the gun donation, said he will respect whatever decision of CCPO officials.

“If haom sa ilang specification, willing gyud ang city ihatag ang firearms nila. If pananglitan dili, pwede ra pud nila ibalik nato,” he said.

The council has already authorized outgoing Mayor Tomas Osmeña to enter into and sign the Deed of Donation with Garma.

Among the stipulations of the agreement is the transfer of gun ownership to CCPO.

It also provides that CCPO is responsible for the processing and renewal of gun licenses at the Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosives. — KBQ (FREEMAN)