A lesson to gun owners, again

"I have already issued a directive for the regular conduct of gun safety and marksmanship training purposely to avoid cases like this. May this be a lesson to gun owners, especially to the police, that they are not toys and should never brag about having a gun.” Thus said PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. This directive was issued after the accidental shooting of a delivery rider by Police Cpl. Oliver Ferrer. He drew his gun for no reason other than to brag about it. And to think the victim was his friend. Idiotic friend.

Isn’t gun safety included while studying at the police academy? Aren't there proficiency, marksmanship exams, and the proper handling of firearms before even graduating and officially becoming a police officer? In other words, before joining the ranks of the PNP, one should know how to safely handle and use a firearm.

But there are police officers who shouldn't be allowed or given the authority to handle a gun. How many times have we heard a police officer's firearm “accidentally” go off and even hurting or killing someone? I don't consider those accidents but plain stupidity and carelessness from a supposed trained individual. The government only wasted its time and resources in training these people. One should never brag or boast about having a gun. When they do, they often have grave consequences.

In the US where firearms are prevalent, everyone is reminded of the “Four Primary Rules of Firearm Safety”. Always point the gun in a safe direction. Always treat the gun as if loaded. Make sure of the target and the area behind it. Do not put your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot. Simple but essential rules. Rules that seem to disappear when some police officers are issued their guns. I mentioned some have no right to own or hold a gun. The likes of Jonel Nuezca and Hensie Zinampan and a few others out there who kill unarmed civilians. How many more like them are out there?

Hopefully, the directive of Gen. Eleazar will get results. As he said, may it be a lesson not just to police officers but all gun owners, again. I would think what was taught at the police academy would be enough for them to be issued their guns. The academy should look into giving more emphasis on this matter. For sworn-in police officers to undergo regular training on marksmanship and gun safety because of incidents like this is like asking lawyers or doctors to undergo basic refresher courses because of the failure of some of their colleagues.