Peace council imposes gun ban in ARMM

By Perlita D. Changco

Friday 13th of April 2012

COTABATO CITY, April 13 (PIA) -- The members of the Regional Peace and Order Council has decided to impose a gun ban and regulate the issuance of firearms in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

ARMM governor officer-in-charge regional governor Mujiv Hataman said that the council has unanimously agreed to pass a resolution proposing the imposition of gun ban in the areas under the autonomous region not only during the election period but also during voters’ registration.

Another proposed resolution, Hataman said, calls for the regulation of issuance of firearms and security policies involving politicians in line with the national policy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.

As chairman, Hataman likewise said, RPOC-ARMM is formally requesting President Benigno S. Aquino III to implement firearm amnesty in strengthening collaborative process to attain the goal of government’s thrust on peace and security.

Aside from issues on loose firearms, other issues such as family feud, illegal drug trade and abuse, kidnap-for-ransom and other criminal activities were also discussed during the closed-door meeting. (DED/PDC-PIA12 Cotabato City)