Mindanao solon asks probe on guns proliferation in Basilan

House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Gerry Salapuddin has asked the Lower House and other concerned government agencies to look into the alleged proliferation and acquisition of illegal firearms by politicians in the island province of Basilan.

Salapuddin raised the issue, saying that this was how the election fever has been manifested in his province – with heavy armaments being used for warfare and the maintenance of private of illegal firearms by politicians.

“Politically-related killings have escalated in Basilan,” he said. “It took much time and efforts to rid my province the image of Abu Sayyaf. Sadly, now the threats come from the politicians.”

The Basilan congressman said the acquisition and proliferation of firearms was supposedly intended to maintain peace or for security or defensive measures.

“Unfortunately, unscrupulous politicians have been planning to use the firearms to guarantee victory at the polls through the use of violence and intimidation,” Salapuddin said.

According to Salapuddin, the unscrupulous politicians are unmindful that they will disenfranchise the voters who, as citizens of the country, are the very particles of popular sovereignty and ultimate source of established authority.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, Salapuddin called on the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to immediately look into the situation in his province.

He also asked the agencies to implement a program to contain the proliferation of illegal firearms and armed groups, and to ensure that election laws would be enforced.

Salapuddin likewise directed the committees on national defense, local government, and suffrage and electoral reform to conduct a joint congressional inquiry and come up with appropriate remedial measures.

“I believe that the matter, if not addressed, will again tarnish the forthcoming conduct of elections,” the lawmaker added.