The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) opposed the arming of civilians as anti-crime volunteers.

It is enough for the government to let the Philippine National Police (PNP) do its part in curbing criminality, the CHR said in a statement.

"The PNP is more than enough. Arming civilians without proper training, qualification, and clear lines of accountabilities may lead to lawlessness and proliferation of arms, which may further negatively impact the human rights situation in the country," it said.

Last Friday, June 25, President Duterte said he was amenable to the arming of a new coalition of volunteers to augment government forces in keeping peace and order in the country.

The President said the anti-crime volunteers could apply for a gun permit so they can “help us enforce the law.”

These volunteers considered “force multipliers” of the government could make a “citizen’s arrest” in the event a crime is committed in their presence, he said.

The CHR cited the 1987 which provides that the government should only maintain one police force which is national in scope and civilian in character.

"As such, the PNP remains as the constitutionally recognized law enforcement arm of the government," it said.

"We recognize that over the years the PNP has also gone through continuous development with the government matching this with ample resources to strengthen and capacitate our police force," it added.

It pointed out that with PNP Chief Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar at the helm, the police force will do its best in ensuring peace and order in communities without compromising its respect and commitment to human rights.