Philippines: one-fifth of all cops lack state-issued guns
A Philippine policeman grips his riot shield during a rally in Manila on March 1, 2012.
Police officials in the Philippines have disclosed a worrisome fact to the Associated Press: scant police budgets have left roughly one-fifth of the national force without state-issued firearms.
Depending on an Filipino officer's post, the potential dangers include: organized crime syndicates, Islamic separatists, one of the world's last communist rebellions and more.
Many cops are apparently expected to pay for guns out of pocket or go weaponless.
So where's the money that should be spent on arming police?
The Philippines' interior secretary, the AP reports, has "blamed the problem on money lost to corruption and wrong priorities by past officials, who appropriated funds for such projects as renovating a swimming pool in a police camp."
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.