MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte brought the idea of issuing firearms to firemen to help law enforcers in their respective areas.
Duterte, in a speech before the Bureau of Fire Protection in Pasay City on Thursday, vowed to provide guns to firefighters aside from additional fire trucks.
“Pa-issuehan ko kayo ng baril. Kayong mga bumbero, pagkatapos ng tubig, tao naman ang hanapin ninyo,” Duterte said. “You have to help in the law and order. You are not limited to just fire.”
“You have to go around and help the policeman and the military. You must help kill the enemy,” he added. “I assure you that this administration will continue to pursue programs and other initiatives that will enhance your professional and operational capabilities.”
This was not the first time Duterte encouraged other officials in fighting crimes as he said before he wanted barangay officials to have either shotguns or .22-caliber handguns and to actively take part in the fight against crimes and illegal drugs.
“Alam ko medyo alangan kayo mag-confront ng kriminal. Alam ko takot kayo kasi wala naman kayong armas. Kung bibigyan ko kayo ng armas, fight kayo?” Duterte said.
The President introduced the idea of allowing Reserve Officers’ Training Corps graduates to bear firearms if the country’s problem with terrorism gets worse./PN
