MANILA - The Gunless Society wants limits placed on the number of firearms civilians can own as a crime prevention measure. A pro-gun group, however, argues responsible gun owners are not to blame. The Gunless Society says there is a need to amend the new gun law in the interest of the common good. Gunless Society secretary-general Norman Cabrera explains Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which was passed in May 2013, only worsens the proliferation of firearms. "This law is a law that serves the interest of the very few," he said in an interview on ANC. Cabrera says efforts should also be taken to limit to two the number of firearms civilians can own, prevent the carrying of firearms in public, raise penalties on illegal possession of firearms and provide for the decommissioning of confiscated firearms to help deter crime. ProGun acting secretary general Atty. Ernesto Tabujara, however, says licensed firearms account for less than 1 percent of crime involving firearms. He adds better law enforcement is key to curbing crime, citing the failure of two Comelec gun bans in 2013 to keep election-related violence down. Instead of imposing too many restrictions, Tabujara says authorities should go after criminals and not responsible gunowners. ANC DATELINE PHILIPPINES, January 14, 2014
