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Pimentel warns PNP on lending gov't issued firearms

Philippines | National

Pimentel warns PNP on lending gov't issued firearms

By Mario Casayuran

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday. August 14, warned members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against lending firearms issued to them by the government.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III warns police officers during the public hearing conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Monday, August 14, 2023 against lending firearms issued to them by the government. (Senate PRIB Photo)

Pimentel issued the warning during today public hearing conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs following the gruesome assassination of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda in Nueva Vizcaya last February 19.

It was learned during the investigation that a bodyguard of Aparri Mayor Bryan Dale Chan was carrying a long-firearm that was issued to a police officer.

“If he (police officer) lends a firearm issued to him and there is a shooting incident, he will be liable," Pimentel said during the hearing.

"This should be made clear to the police. I don’t think this is an isolated incident or practice. Let this be an advanced warning to the police,” Pimentel, a former Senate President and a bar topnotcher, said.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, committee chairman, assured the public that the Senate would not stop condemning the senseless killings of elected government officials and ordinary citizens.

“Those who chose the path of evil must be made to answer the consequences of their choices,” the senator said, as he sought to craft legislation that would strengthen the safety of communities.

The committee also discussed several measures requiring the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV); the proposed Law Enforcement Body-worn Camera Act; and the Checkpoint Regularization Act.

Related Tags

Firearms Philippine National Police (PNP) koko pimentel Rommel Alameda

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