Failures at the National Level: The Diffusion of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Philippines

Abstract

Abstract This article argues that the Philippines' small arms control measures have failed. This failure is seen in two ways. First, statements issued by the Philippines in the 2001 United Nations (UN) Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the follow-up 2003 Biennial Meeting of States on the Implementation of the Program of Action of the previous conference are partly inconsistent with the national laws instituted in the country. Another way of looking at the failure of the Philippines in controlling the diffusion of small arms in its territory is through the conflict in Mindanao. The national mechanisms currently in place are insufficient to address this problem because the influx of weapons continues, further intensifying the conflict.