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Duterte inspects Kalashnikov rifles that Russia donated to the Philippines in October 2017. Miguel De Guzman, file
Duterte could allow ownership of high-powered guns vs terrorists
Alexis Romero (philstar.com) - February 15, 2018 - 8:50pm
MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte may allow the private ownership of high-powered firearms if the terror threat in the country worsens and the influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria spills over to Luzon.
Duterte said he is worried about the spread of the ISIS ideology, which he said has contaminated armed groups like the Abu Sayyaf.
"It seems they are already spreading. All the groups have been contaminated, the Abu Sayyaf, all of them. All have pledged allegiance to ISIS," the president said in a private meeting in Cebu City last Tuesday.
"I'm worried about what's going to happen. It has happened in Marawi. My only worry is that they are really out, dispersed in the Visayas and maybe sa Luzon," he added.
Duterte was referring to Marawi siege, which started after ISIS-inspired militants occupied the predominantly Muslim city in May 2017. More than 160 soldiers and close to 1,000 terrorists were killed during the siege, the longest urban war in the Philippines since World War II.
"I have warned the mayors and governors. I'll do the same in Manila. No need for me to do that in Mindanao... Luzon must have an early warning device," the president said.
In the eary days of martial law in Mindanao, the president said he might suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Visayas and declare martial law in Luzon if the situation worsens.
"In a matter of firearms... if the situation deteriorates, then I would allow the ownership of high-powered guns. If you have any. But a shotgun will do to defend (yourself)," he added.
Despite his worries, Duterte is confident that government forces would overcome the terrorist threat.
"We'll not lose the battle nor the war. The ISIS is just causing disorder because they are shameless. They're like animals," he said.
"Do not worry. We are really far superior in number...I have the Air Force, the Navy, everything."
But Duterte admitted that the national government needs the help of local executives to counter the threats posed by improvised explosive devices.
Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law after the Marawi siege broke out on May 23, 2017. Congress readily agreed to extend the military rule until the end of the year to address the threats posed by ISIS sympathizers and communist rebels.
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