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The recent death of a traffic enforcer at the hands of an allegedly drunk motorcycle rider in Tanza, Cavite should serve as a "wake-up call" for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to tighten up its gun ownership rules.

Thus, said Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte in a statement Tuesday, May 30.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the PNP to strengthen its efforts on gun control. The PNP should not wait for a similar incident to happen again before it acts  to institute reforms in the issuance of gun ownership licenses,” Duterte said.

Reports from the Imus City Police station bared that traffic enforcer, William Mentes Quiambao had an argument with suspect Joseph Llagas, when the former tried to apprehend him. The latter was apparently intoxicated.

Llagas shot Quiambao three times at the back of his head and then fled with his companion identified as Aries Carlos. Quiambao was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Duterte, a former deputy speaker, said the PNP ought to revisit its regulations  and procedures in issuing gun ownership licenses, Duterte.

He said one aspect that  the PNP should look into in issuing a License to Own and Possess a Firearm (LTOPF) is the requirement to pass a neuro-psychiatric examination, which in several instances, can be bought by applicants for a fee.

Duterte said he has received reports of gun stores telling potential  buyers that they can bypass and need not take  the neuro-psychiatric clearance and even the drug test requirement in obtaining an LTOPF, which is a prerequisite  to be able to purchase a firearm.

“The PNP cannot afford to be lenient in imposing these requirements if it wants to ensure that it issues licenses only  to responsible and mentally stable gun owners,” the Mindanaoan further said.