By Mydz Supnad
CAMP GEN. OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union- Policemen carrying guns in civilian attire can now be arrested and charged in court for illegal possession of firearms.
This was the stern warning of Philippine National Police chief Jesus Versoza who said Tuesday only policemen in complete uniform can now be authorized to carry guns legally.
Versoza said this was to prevent violence and lessen the crime during elections.
He added civilians can have the right to arrest illegal gun holders by invoking what he called “citizens' arrest.”
Speaking during Tuesday's turn-over of the top command here, Versoza urged the public to report any abuse committed by police and other crimes to help authorities maintain peace and order.
He said the public should be educated regarding citizens' arrest. “I would like to emphasize that policemen in civilian attire are no longer authorized to carry firearms.”
Versoza's action came in the wake of the Commission on Election's recent resolution totally banning the carrying of guns of civilians and even government forces to probably minimize the election-related violence and killings come May polls.
Some newsmen doubted, however, how a simple and unarmed civilian can effect the arrest of an armed policeman.
Versoza personally supervised the installation of Chief Supt. Constante D. Azares, Jr., as the new PNP region 1 director.
Azares replaced Chief Supt. Ramon Gatan who retired from the service after reaching the mandatory age of 56.
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