The move is long overdue. But at the same time, the government must work to cut crime and boost the efficiency and image of the police, so that fewer law-abiding Filipinos will feel the need to arm themselves with deadly force. Some 714,757 guns are registered with the Philippine National Police. Another 600,000 unregistered weapons are thought to be floating around. A 1998 survey found four shooting deaths for every 100,000 people, not far short of the U.S. tally of five.
Figures pinpointing the role of guns in preventing crime are hard to compile.
Following an order from President Joseph Estrada to curb the proliferation of firearms, Interior Secretary Alfredo Lim has launched a crackdown on unlicensed weapons. Anyone who is carrying a firearm and, if accosted, unnecessarily makes a false move, that is too bad for him. National police chief Panfilo Lacson is tightening the issuance of permits for owners to carry guns outside their homes, promising to sign each one personally. So far, he has approved only 190. Congressman Danny Suarez wants to induce owners of unlicensed weapons to register by declaring an amnesty and raising the cost of licenses.