Philippines to arm civilian guards

Authorities in the Philippines say they plan to arm civilian neighbourhood guards to help the police fight crime in the capital, Manila.

A senior government official, Bayani Fernando, said about 18,000 volunteers, who currently patrol streets armed with batons or knives, would be given guns.

He said the measure had been approved by President Gloria Arroyo, who insisted that selected guards received proper training.

Correspondents say critics are worried that armed guards might bully residents and would add to the proliferation of firearms.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service