Incoming PNP chief warns cops who fail in gun-handling tests that they will lose their firearms

By Ronron
September 25, 2007

Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., the incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), will make sure when he assumes the top police post on October 1 that all policemen will have the capability to handle guns.

In an ambush interview at Camp Crame yesterday, Razon said he will give emphasis on the conduct of proficiency training and tests of policemen on handling guns so those found non-proficient will not pose danger to the public.

“If they don’t pass the proficiency test over a period of time or a series of tests, we will disarm them because the non-proficient pose a danger to our community. They’re like people who can’t drive but are allowed to do it, so they might hit pedestrians. That’s bad for our community,” Razon said.

Razon said the proficiency training and tests on gun handling will be done all year round.

He said those who will be disarmed will be assigned instead to administrative tasks or other duties that will not require the use of firearms, while their firearms will be given to more qualified ones.

“This will be from the chief PNP down to the lowest PO1… We will not spare anyone here,” Razon said.

Razon will replace PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 1./DMS