Amid the series of political killings, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang suggested that the suspension of permit-to-carry (PTC) firearms due to Martial Law should be lifted.
During the weekly Pulong-pulong ni Pulong in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Dayanghirang said on Wednesday that he has brought his concern to Secretary Bong Go. President Duterte’s trusted lieutenant agreed to raise the matter to the concerned office.
Politicians in Luzon and Visayas who have secured PTC have the freedom to bring their weapons but the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao makes it more difficult for the local government officials to secure the necessary documents.
Although the numbers of recent killings have been highly politicized, the councilor said that some of these are not associated to politics just like what happened to Nueva Ecija town mayor Ferdinand Bote.
PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde had identified the mastermind in the killing of the mayor as contractor Christian Saquilabon, and the motive was related to the P96-million Minalungao Eco-Tourism Park project.
Dayanghirang added, however, that the politicians who want to seek exemption from the ban should be thoroughly screened, especially since the mid-term election is approaching.
