STATEMENT ON THE
LOYOLA MEMORIAL PARK SHOOTING
ProGun condemns this tragic incident* in the strongest terms and we
express our sympathy and condolences to the victims of this senseless crime.
We urge the concerned officials to exhaust all means to investigate
this incident and to prosecute the perpetrator to the maximum extent of the
law.
It is reported that the perpetrator was a bodyguard of a certain
politician, and that he was issued a permit to carry his firearm
through the recommendation of that politician. We trust that this politician will
cooperate with the authorities to make sure that the killer will be
properly punished.
We deplore this incident, not only because a mother was killed and
people were wounded, but also because it gives other decent gun owners a bad
name.
There are an estimated 609,000 licensed firearms owners, and about
3,000 persons were issued permits to carry from Jan. 1 this year. While
violent incidents like these can never be justified or condoned, it is
worthwhile to mention that the vast majority of firearms owners are law-abiding
citizens.
Like the Claudio Teehankee and Rolito Go shootings, media tends to
focus on high-profile crimes like this, and it should, not only because of the
news value, but because in doing so, media also helps in punishing those who
are guilty of irresponsible behavior.
As in the past, ProGun appeals to all gun owners to obey all rules and
regulations on the ownership and carrying of firearms, and we remind
them that, in acquiring a firearm, they have taken on a very heavy
obligation to practice legal, safe and responsible ownership of guns.
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