The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warned that arming unqualified civilians to fight crime can result to lawlessness.

The CHR was reacting to the statement made by President Rodrigo Duterte that qualified members of a new anti-crime coalition can be issued firearm licenses so they can effectively fight criminals.

CHR spokesman Jacqueline Ann de Guia, told a national daily that “arming civilians without proper training, qualification and clear lines of accountabilities may lead to lawlessness and proliferation of arms, which may further negatively impact the human rights situation in the country.”

She cited a provision from the 1987 Constitution, that “clearly articulates that the government shall only maintain one police force, which is national in scope and civilian in character.”

“We [recognize] that over the years, the PNP (Philippine National Police) has also gone through continuous development with the government, matching this with ample resources to strengthen and capacitate our police force,” de Guia said.

During the recent launching of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Duterte said he was open to qualified members of the group to carry guns in their fight against criminality.

“That is why that is good because if you have this coalition, you have a list of people who are there and who can arm themselves. I will order the police. If you are qualified, get a gun and help us enforce the laws,” Duterte said

He further said the coalition “is a testament to the desire of private citizens and our communities to take part in the difficult task of achieving lasting peace across the nation.”