Bayron Garcia may lose gun license

CEBU, Philippines - An official of Police Regional Office –7 said he would recommend for the revocation of Bayron Garcia’s license if it is proven that he brought his AK-47 rifle outside his residence without permit.

Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) chief Rex Derilo said he is looking into whether Garcia, brother of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, has a special permit that allows him to carry his rifle outside his residence.

According to Derilo, they have not issued any Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) for long firearms to civilians since last year.

FED officials are waiting for the official report from the Talisay City Police Office which will be the basis for their recommendation.

The procedure is that even licensed firearms can not be brought outside the owner’s residence without a special permit from the FED in Camp Crame.

Violation will mean a revocation of the firearm license and confiscation of the gun by the FED.

But Derilo said there are exceptions to this directive. 

“Those exempted are the governors, the (court) justices up. However, if the chief PNP would grant them pwede ra,” he said.

Garcia had claimed he has a license and permit for his gun, saying he only wanted to scare his American neighbor.

The American national allegedly placed speed bumps in front of his residence to slow down traffic.

When Garcia called his attention, he alleged that he was instead cussed by the American.

Garcia admitted that he pulled out a gun from his car and showed it to his neighbor to scare him.

He, however, clarified that he did not point the gun at his neighbor.- (THE FREEMAN)