The proposed arming of civilian volunteers helping in the government's anti-crime campaign is not yet final, Malacañang clarified Monday.
President Duterte is "open" to the arming anti-crime volunteers but such idea would still undergo complete staff work, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
"He's open to the idea pero wala pa naman finality (but there is no finality)," Roque said during a televised press briefing Monday, June 28.
"There is not a policy yet. I'm sure it will be subjected to full staff work pero meanwhile may riyalidad na habang tumutulong ang mga volunteers, may banta rin sa kanilang buhay (but meanwhile there is a reality hat while volunteers help, there is also threat to their lives)," he added.
Roque shared Philippine National Police chief Guillermo Eleazar's view that volunteer groups have the right to defend themselves if their lives are in danger. He said Eleazar mentioned that "We cannot allow our volunteer groups to be at the mercy of criminal elements that we encourage to fight alongside with us."
READ: 'The criminal must die, you must live': Duterte backs arming of anti-crime volunteers
The President recently attended the launch of a new coalition of anti-crime volunteers and expressed inclination to arm them so they could "help enforce the law." He said the volunteers, considered “force multipliers” of the government, could make a “citizen’s arrest” in the event a crime is committed in their presence.
“You can have a gun and if you’re qualified, I will ask the police to give the license but please try to observe the law,” Duterte said during the launch of a Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers at Camp Crame in Quezon City Friday, June 25.
The PNP chief back the President's move to arm anti-crime volunteers to ensure their protection. Vice President Leni Robredo however opposed such "very dangerous" move amid concerns it might lead to abuse.
Roque said it was speculative to discuss the matter since there is no policy yet. "Let's not waste time speculating," he said.If it becomes policy, he said the anti-crime volunteers are expected to be given on firearm safety. "But for now, it's speculative," he added.
READ: Robredo says arming anti-crime volunteers ‘very dangerous’