Stun gun regulation proposed

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 08/14/2010

MANILA, Philippines – The importation, distribution, and sale of stun guns should be regulated by law, a legislator proposed on Saturday.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. issued the call after a man was arrested for allegedly using a stun gun, or an electronic control device (ECD), in trying to kidnap the father of actress-singer Sarah Geronimo. “Our sense is, this early, it might be better for the authorities to impose some controls to prevent the potential misuse of ECDs, particularly by lawless elements,” Barzaga said. Barzaga added that at the very least, owners of ECDs should be required to undergo an extensive background check.

The suspect in the failed abduction of Delfin Geronimo tried to immobilize him with a stun gun and shove him inside a van at the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation’s basement parking in Quezon City on August 10, according to police. The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended the filing of kidnapping charges against the suspect,  Paulino Mercado. 

Barzaga said the sale and marketing of stun guns require “responsible ownership” in the United States. He added that ECD buyers in America undergo a comprehensive background check before their devices are activated.

Stun guns were made popular by US police and military officers who use Tasers to subdue suspects without inflicting serious physical harm.  The Taser uses a “refined energy pulse” to stop aggressive individuals in their tracks during their confrontations with the police.  The device transmits the electrical pulse along a wire and into a body, temporarily affecting the sensory and motor functions of the nervous system.

Note: apparently this proposed ban is a knee jerk reaction to the device’s use in an attempted crime.  Based on this line of thinking, why don’t they ban motorcycles too, since it is a favorite getaway vehicle of hitmen and snatchers?