Rota mayor: Relaxing gun control good for tourism

Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona has appealed to the Senate to immediately act on a measure amending the Weapons Control Act in a bid to lure resort developers who will offer shooting practice and target ranges in the CNMI.

He said the proposal, if passed into law, would open the door for substantial development and give an opportunity for his island municipality to have a new multi-million dollar resort.

“It will increase government revenues, revitalize the private sector and create the jobs we need so much for our people,” the mayor wrote to Senate President Paul A. Manglona.

Last week, the Senate leader expressed the possibility of close scrutiny on HB 12-212 amid concerns on the safety of the community as the legislation will seek exemptions from the gun control laws to allow these so-called shooting resorts to carry firearms and rifles.

The lower house has passed the legislation offered by House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, but the vote was split due to concerns by some members on its potential harm to the community.

If this becomes law, it will permit patrons and guests of these resorts to carry within their premises to handguns, shotguns and rifles as well as ammunition with caliber of 22, 32, 38, 45, 9 mm, 12 gauge, 410 gauge and 5.56 mm.

Opponents of the bill have balked at the idea, citing proliferation of smuggled handguns here and even shooting practice in the middle of the ocean to evade authorities.

While he is supportive of the efforts to develop the economy, Sen. Manglona said they need to review whether safety measures are in place under the proposal, such as type of handguns and steps to ensure that they are properly used and stored within the resorts.

But the Rota mayor maintained there are safeguards in place as he eased fears of the Senate against enacting the legislation.

“The House has done a good job of providing added safety requirements,” he explained. “If need be, even more stringent requirements could be provided by regulation.”

He added: “There is nothing to fear. There is nothing about these amendments that in any way jeopardizes public health or safety.”

In endorsing the proposal, the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism stressed this would be an incentive to attract major developers to provide non-traditional activities to tourists and visitors such as target ranges for rifle competition and skeet shooting with shotguns.

Amending the existing gun control laws in the CNMI is one of the steps that the island government must take if it wants these developers to invest here, according to a report prepared by the committee.

“Please support this bill for the good of the Rota economy,” Mayor Manglona asked the Senate. “The entire CNMI economy will benefit. Pass this measure to bring prosperity and jobs to our people.”