Australia gives RP poor grade in gun regulation effort

Despite Philippine police claims of a successful firearm ban during the last elections, Australia still gave the country a poor grade in gun regulation. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said this poor gun regulation effort has resulted in many violent crimes in the country. "Gun ownership is widespread and poorly regulated, contributing to a higher incidence of violent crime," it said in its travel advisory updated Friday. This came barely two months after the Philippines held a relatively peaceful national election, and less than two weeks after the winner of the presidential race, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, was inaugurated. Australia also warned its nationals to be wary of violent crime, which it said is a "significant problem" in the Philippines. It said criminal gangs that rob or assault unsuspecting tourists are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and in provincial resort towns. Random acts of violence occur frequently in the Philippines, it added. It cited two recent grenade attacks stemming from domestic grievances that occurred in parts of Metro Manila, which is frequented by foreigners. "As in many other big cities, street crime is of concern particularly in crowded shopping malls and other public places. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and a range of scams, including those involving credit cards and automated teller machines, are common," it added. The Australian advisory also told its nationals that taxis sourced from hotels are more reliable than those hailed on the street. It also urged them to avoid travel on public buses, light rail transits and jeepneys where possible "as opportunistic crime may occur." "Armed hold-ups have occurred and in some cases have led to fatalities," it added. Insurgents Australia also said insurgent groups operate in rural areas and are involved in violent criminal activities. "Extortion activities involving violence occur regularly and are often aimed at business interests, including mining projects," it said. It noted that in October 2007, a large group of armed men attacked an Australian-controlled mining operation in Camarines Norte in the Bicol region. Australia reminded its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack and high level of serious crime. "Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks," it said. "Terrorist attacks, including bombings, are possible any time, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners," it added. — LBG, RJAB Jr., GMANew.TV