The Philippine National Police (PNP) is open to the idea of arming anti-crime civilian volunteers but the firearms should only be to defend themselves and not on hunting down criminal elements that include communist rebels.

PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar explained that anti-crime civilian volunteers should not be left at the mercy of the criminal elements they were encouraged to fight and one of the ways to protect themselves is to own guns.

The idea was floated by President Duterte but was criticized by the Commission on Human Rights. The CHR pointed out that there is no need to arm civilian groups, saying that the PNP is the sole constitutionally-recognized law enforcement arm of the government and that the PNP is “more than enough.”

“We understand the concern of the officials of the Commission on Human Rights but we assure them that the President’s suggestion is to encourage volunteerism and definitely not vigilantism,” said Eleazar.

"The President and even us in the PNP are aware the danger that volunteers would face for standing up against criminal elements that include members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and the suggestion made was aimed at ensuring their own protection—but with an assurance that they will undergo the rules and procedures for civilians to possess and carry firearms,” he added.

He said these include securing License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) which is a requirement before a civilian could buy a firearm, firearms license and the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR).

If civilians are allowed to possess and carry firearms for as long as they comply with the rules and regulations of the law and are qualified to do so, Eleazar explained that there is no reason to prevent members of civilian volunteer groups to enjoy the same privilege.

"There is no reason not to follow these rules and regulations even with our efforts to enhance our relations with the community in fighting criminality, insurgency, and illegal drugs, among others," said Eleazar.

“The proposal to arm them is purely for their own protection, to defend themselves and the PNP itself will not allow each and every one of them to engage in the actual fighting of criminal elements. The PNP also assures that only those who will qualify under the law may be permitted to own and possess firearms,” said Eleazar.

He explained that the President’s call to arm civilian groups might be out of his strong urge and desire to combat lawlessness in the society.

During the launching of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers at Camp Crame on June 25, President Duterte narrated how arming civilians led to te defeat of the communist rebels in Davao Region.