MANILA, Philippines — Arming the member of civilian anti-crime groups could “backfire” and lead to abuse, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Sunday during the “Balitaan sa Maynila” online forum.
President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned the idea on Friday during the launch of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers in Camp Crame. The coalition is composed of civilian organizations that will serve as partners of the police in fighting crime.
Vice President Leni Robredo and the Commission on Human Rights also criticized the idea, warning of possible abuse.
“Arming civilians to fight criminality could backfire, especially if they don’t ha…
Keep on reading: Arming anti-crime groups ‘could backfire’ without ‘proper training, mindset’ – Lacson