Arroyo urged to suspend issuance of gun permits
By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:22:00 06/21/2010
Filed Under: Media killings, Firearms
MANILA, Philippines – Alarmed by the shooting deaths of three journalists last week, a gun control advocate has called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to save lives during her remaining days in Malacañang by holding the issuance of permits to carry firearms in public.
Gunless Society founder Nandy Pacheco on Monday said Arroyo should immediately issue an executive order suspending the processing of permits to publicly bear firearms citing the string of gun-related violence that occurred after the lifting of the nationwide election gun ban.
“We’ve got to save lives now. In her remaining few days, President Arroyo should help reduce the risk. We’re trying to prevent people from killing other people,” said Pacheco.
“She should do it now,” he said.
Pacheco made the statement as he expressed concern over the shooting of journalists since Monday last week. The killings happened days after the five-month election-related gun ban lapsed on June 9.
“Once the gun ban ended, the issuance of permits to carry firearms is back to normal. Criminals are able to mix with ordinary people. The point is, this is disturbing. You can be shot anytime,” he said.
Pacheco also challenged President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, a known gun enthusiast, to push for a gun control law during his term.
Originally Appeared: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100621-276818/Arroyo-urged-to-suspend-issuance-of-gun-permits