The GMA News.TV website today reported on the arrest of businessman Celso de los Angeles. The accompanying photo caption showed him being escorted by ‘a cop’. So, what is wrong with this picture?
I’m sure most of you spotted the problem immediately, but for those who are unsure, I will just quote this article in the Manila Bulletin, published July 16, 2009:
“The Philippine National Police (PNP) will no longer allow policemen and civilians from tucking their handguns on their waist, threatening harsh penalties to those who would dare violate the new policy.
The move is not only meant for the security of careless gun owners who might hit their sensitive part while hiding the guns on their waist but more for the protection of civilians from the abuses of those who own firearms.
Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP chief, said even those who try to find excuse by using holsters will not be spared, stressing that the rule is that only policemen in proper uniform will be allowed to do so while civilian gun owners are totally prohibited from displaying their firearms in public based on the policy stated on the issuance of permit to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR).”
This is very strange. According to the report, this is a policeman with Mr de los Angeles but he is not in uniform and his firearm is not only on his waistband but dangerously tucked in unholstered, mexican carry style.
Does this mean that actually in our country we have two types of people: civilians who must obey the law, and officials who are above the law? Maybe before giving us law abiding pro-gun civvies a hard time, the PNP should first clean up its own ranks and start setting a good example.
Note: I extended this cop the courtesy of blurring out his face, something which GMA News did not do.
I also understand that Gen. Verzosa also said that cops should be carrying firearms only while in uniform and those caught carrying guns in civilian attire shall be accosted and arrested. SO how come this guy was not in uniform, openly carrying a firearm, when the operation was in the heart of Quezon City at a top hospital which did not at all require undercover work?
And why did you conceal his face? His face should be publicized!
In fact, that guys doesn’t even look fit to BE a cop. IWb carried openly and unconcealed, open untucked shirt, unkept attire, hey! SO Gen. Verzosa, how come this cop isn’t being accosted and arrested. He broke your rules didn’t he?
And yet, this is the type of person we are supposed to rely on to protect our lives?
No thank you!
I concealed his face because the issue isn’t about an individual cop. Focusing on him would only distract the real issue, which is the institutional problem within the police force that some members believe themselves to be above the law.
Furthermore, I wanted to highlight the futility of banning IWB carry. As we can see, people do so anyway and in this case it’s so flagrant that it appeared in a national newspaper. Have we heard a peep of complaint from the anti-gun media outlets, politicians and random gas-bags out there? No! It took the PROGUNers to point out the inconsistency.
To make an example of this particular cop would at best mean that he’d become a scapegoat by his superiors. The underlying problem would remain unaddressed.
His pistol is cocked and locked and pointing at his balls. I wonder if he sits down and his family jewels get blown away? 🙂
The venerable M1911/M1911A1 was designed to be CARRIED THIS WAY. It has its thumb safety, grip safety, half-cock safety, rebounding firing pin safety. and other safeties incorporated in the Series 80, the latter of which were to please liability lawyers. If you opt for Condition One carry, just be sure that ALL these are in order. Condition Two, chamber loaded, hammer down, loaded magazine in, is considered more dangerous, but a lot of people are comfortable with it. Condition Three; empty chamber, hammer down, full magazine in is considered the safest, but the delay in putting it in Condition One could cost you your life. It is said to be to “soldier proof” the pistol against lesser-trained soldiers.
Rule No. 2 NEVER POINT YOUR GUN AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT WANT TO DESTROY. So apparently, this guy wants to destroy his family jewels. 🙂
Guess this guy didn’t get the inter-office memo re mexican carry (*sarcasm).