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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Arming anti-crime volunteers 'could intensify election-related violence' - group

Arming anti-crime volunteers 'could intensify election-related violence' - group

Published Jun 28, 2021 02:28 pm

Militant fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) adds to the growing opposition against President Duterte’s suggestion of arming civilian volunteers to help in the government’s anti-criminality drive.

(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

In a statement on Monday, June 28, the fisherfolk group warned that armed civilian units could be used as private armies and goons by individuals seeking to advance their political interests in the upcoming 2022 elections.

“Duterte’s proposal is extremely dangerous and alarming as it could intensify election-related violence. Aside from using it against activists and suspected drug addicts, traditional and warlord politicians might commission these armed groups to attack their political rivals in the 2022 polls,” said Pamalakaya national chairperson Fernando Hicap.

“Instead, government-backed paramilitary groups involved in human rights violations and impunity should be disarmed and disbanded. We are calling on the peaceful-loving citizens to frustrate this sinister plan of the Duterte administration that would create chaos than order in our communities,” he added.

The group has also expressed concern over the proposal, saying that arming civilians could lead to “heightened and legalized vigilantism resulting to lawlessness and indiscriminate killings."

Duterte floated the idea of arming qualified civic groups and civilian volunteers to help the police in enforcing the law during the launch of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers at Camp Crame last week.

Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/the-criminal-must-die-you-must-live-duterte-backs-arming-of-anti-crime-volunteers/

Could lead to more killings

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has voiced their opposition on the President’s idea, saying that the move could result to more “unwarranted and merciless killings.”

Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/27/arming-civilian-volunteers-to-fight-crimes-may-lead-to-more-killings-group/

“Arming these civic groups will do more harm than good to the civilian population,” KMP leader Danilo Ramos said in a statement.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has also rejected Duterte’s suggestion of arming civilians. It noted that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is “more than enough” to fight crimes.

Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/26/pnp-is-more-than-enough-chr/

“The PNP is more than enough,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

“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,” she added.

Related Tags

arming civilians violence 2022 elections pamalakaya DUTERTE
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