Drilon files bill restricting carrying of firearms

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Franklin Drilon has filed a bill authorizing only law enforcers like policeman and soldiers to carry firearms.

Under Senate Bill 129 or the Firearms Regulation Act, no permit to carry firearms shall be issued to anyone except members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the police, agents or officers of the National Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigation Service, Narcotics Command, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, Sherriff's Offices of various courts, and regular personnel of licensed private security agencies or security forces of state agencies.

Anyone with a permit should carry the firearm only when he is in full uniform and engaged in the actual performance of his duty.

Violators shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than 6 years and 1 day nor more than 10 years and a fine of not less than P20,000 nor more than P100,000. (report from Ryan Chua, ABS-CBN News)