Quitoriano said many powerful figures, including soldiers, police and politicians, profited from the firearms trade, part of a huge corruption problem that plagues all sectors of society.
"Many of the unlicensed guns that leak into the grey market actually come from legal imports and government purchases," he said.
Quitoriano said the climate of fear fuelled the black market.
"If the public trusted the government more, there would be no need for them to protect themselves by arming," he said.
Alexander Reyes, who owns self-defence specialty shop Aquila Firearms and Ammunition Corp. at a Manila mall, agreed.
"It used to be for prestige, because guns equate with power," Reyes said. "But nowadays, it is mostly for protection. The police cannot protect you 24/7."
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=71903.0