Bong Go urges responsible gun ownership following viral incident
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, in an interview on August 28, after aiding poor families in Parañaque City, expressed his concerns over a viral video that showed a retired police officer threatening an unarmed cyclist with a gun.
The senator, who is vice chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order, emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership, especially for those who serve or have served as law enforcers.
“Alam n’yo, tayo po mga Pilipino, pantay-pantay tayo sa mata ng batas. Itong mga siklista, may karapatan po sila dumaan, gamitin ang kalye lalo na’t mga taxpayer din po sila. Pantay-pantay tayo,” said Go.
The senator further emphasized that the retired police officer involved in the incident is expected to show more restraint and respect to fellow civilians given his past duty as a law enforcer.
“Ito naman pong sa retired pulis, dapat ikaw mismo naging law enforcer ka, dapat nga ikaw ang tagapagpatupad ng batas. Ilan taon ka rin pong may hawak ng baril, maging responsible gunholder ka dapat,” he added.
Go further emphasized the ethical responsibility that comes with gun ownership.
“Huwag mong gamitin ‘yang baril mo sa pananakot lalung-lalo na po sa mga kababayan natin na walang laban. Dapat sila po ay maging magandang ehemplo. Nagserbisyo po sila bilang pulis, tinuruan naman sila paano maging responsible gunholder,” he said.
The retired policeman, identified as Willie Gonzales, was seen in a video drawing a gun on a cyclist and striking him on the head during a traffic altercation near the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City. Gonzales later surrendered to the Quezon City Police District and turned over his Glock 17 pistol involved in the incident. The QCPD director confirmed that Gonzales’ license to own and possess firearms would be revoked.
Go concluded his remarks by urging gun holders to be responsible given the privilege that comes with holding a license to own firearms.
”Huwag n’yo pong gamitin ‘yan sa mga inosente, gamitin n’yo lang ‘yan para sa inyong seguridad laban sa mga kriminal. ‘Yun lang po ang aking panawagan sa lahat na maging responsible gunholder.”
“Gamitin n’yo po ‘yan to protect from harm, to protect you from those criminals na maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa iyong buhay, pero wag po sa mga inosenteng mga kababayan natin na gusto lang pong mamuhay ng tahimik,” concluded Go.
