Philippines president rules out ban on guns
Wednesday 09 January 2013
Printable
EmailGun-loving Philippines President Benigno Aquino III refused to back an outright ban on firearms ownership today in the wake of a bloody New Year's massacre that left several children dead.
Shooting enthusiast Aquino will be among the thousands of Filipinos banned from bearing their arms outside their homes in the five-month run-up to elections under poll laws.
Checkpoints will be set up across the country to enforce the rule.
But the president ruled out permanently outlawing gun ownership today, saying that doing so would "make a nice headline" but wouldn't solve the country's problems.
The Philippines has one of the highest murder rates in south-east Asia.
A massacre last week which saw a lone gunman go on a deadly rampage in his community near the capital Manila has fuelled calls for an outright ban on the weapons.
But the president is thought to favour increased restrictions instead.
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
Disregard for human life
Nothing will bring back the hundreds of British soldiers killed fighting in Iraq at Tony Blair's behest.
Features
Cameron's G8 house of cards
Under a modicum of scrutiny the PM's international 'achievements' quickly unravel
A strategy for our victory
The Con-Dems have had it their way too long. We have to turn this country around