‘Discharging firearms during burial rites not part of Kalinga tradition… poses risks to public safety’ – Tabuk City Councilor Bon-as

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Debunking claims that discharging firearms during burial rites is part of Kalinga tradition, Tabuk City Councilor Jayferson Bon-as asserted that the unauthorized practice poses a serious danger to the public.

“Not part of Kalinga tradition, saan tayo met kaugalian ti agpaputok ti paltog nu maitabon ti minatay tayo. Some only use the occasion to fire their guns. Definitely, it is not a tribal practice,” explained Bon-as as he relayed the need for the ordinance during a phone interview on May 4.

To ensure community safety from stray bullets during burial ceremonies, Bon-as filed a proposed ordinance titled the “Anti-Firing Ordinance During Burials in the City of Tabuk,” which seeks to prohibit and penalize unauthorized firearm discharge during wakes, processions, or burials. The ordinance exempts official honors rendered for military personnel, uniformed services, and war veterans.

The proposed measure is currently awaiting scheduling for second reading.

In an interview, Bon-as clarified that some individuals mistakenly believe that firing guns during burial rites is part of Kalinga culture. He emphasized that such practices are only appropriate in the context of official honors for those who served in the military or uniformed services.

He further stressed the dangers of indiscriminate firing, noting that stray bullets inevitably land somewhere and can cause harm.

“As the Chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Safety and Security, I came up with a proposed ordinance to regulate or prohibit the use of firearms during burial ceremonies.

The discharge of firearms during burial ceremonies is a practice that poses serious risks to public safety and undermines the solemnity of honoring the deceased. While this is considered by some of our constituents as a gesture of respect, stray bullets can result in unintended injuries, damage to property, and even loss of life,” he said.