Nationwide gun ban in effect during the 8-day filing of COCs

by: SUSAN G. DE LEON

CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has suspended the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) nationwide as part of the security measures for the eight-day filing of Certificate of Candidacy across the country.

PNP Chief PGen Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said the suspension of the PTCFOR took effect midnight of September 30 until 7:00 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.

“Only members of the PNP, AFP and other Law Enforcement Agencies who are performing official duties and agency prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms,” he added.

The implementation of the gun ban was based on the PNP Memorandum Circular entitled Guidelines and Procedures in Securing the Conduct of the 2022 National and Local Elections and the letter request from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

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

The Chief PNP earlier ordered early security preparations for the local and national elections in May next year, which include intelligence-gathering, monitoring and background check of areas with history of election violence.

“Kasama sa paghahandang ginawa natin ay para sa filing of Certificate of Candidacy ng mga kakandidato for local and national positions,” Eleazar said.

“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. (PNP/PIA-NCR)