PNP enforces gun ban until Oct. 9

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The Philippine National Police suspended the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) nationwide as part of the security measures in the ongoing filing of Certificates of Candidacy for the May 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE).

PNP chief, P/Gen Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said the suspension of the PTCFOR took effect midnight of Sept. 30 until 7 a.m. of October 9.

“This is to ensure that the filing of COCs from October 1 to October 8 will be free from firearms-related incidents and to ensure the safety of the populace,” Eleazar said in a statement Oct. 1.

“Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties, and on agency prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms,” he added.

The implementation of the gun ban was based on the PNP memorandum circular that sets the guidelines and procedures in securing the conduct of the 2022 NLE, and the letter-request from the Commission on Elections.

Eleazar said the gun ban will be reinforced with the aggressive conduct of police operations against loose firearms and members of partisan armed groups, who may carry out violence due to intense political rivalry.

He also ordered early security preparations for the local and national elections, including intelligence-gathering, monitoring, and background check of areas with history of election violence.

“I have already directed all police commanders to maximize the use of their social media accounts and coordination with the media and the communities for the dissemination of this information in order to avoid unnecessary troubles, especially for responsible gun owners,” he added.|