'Firearms free zones' declared in Pope Francis activity areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) declared firearms free zones in all areas of activity during Pope Francis' five-day visit.

PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director Gen. Leonardo Espina issued a memorandum on Thursday directed to Police Regional Directors in Metro Manila and Eastern Visayas.

Carrying of firearms is strictly prohibited in the following areas:

• Nunciature Area, Taft Avenue, Manila
• Malacañang Palace
• Manila Cathedral
• SM Arena, Mall of Asia
• Villamor Airbase, Pasay City
• University of Santo Tomas
• Quirino Grandstand
• Tacloban City
• Palo, Leyte

Leonardo ordered the PNP Regional Directors to strictly observe and implement the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law.

"Firearms shall not be brought inside places of worship, public drinking and amusement places and all other commercial or public establishments," Espina said, citing a provision of RA 10591.

The Act also prohibits display of firearms, emphasizing that it must always be concealed and secured inside a vehicle or a motorcycle compartment.

The gun ban applies to all gunholders including members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other Law Enforcement Agencies in civilian attires. The provision also covers gunholders with permit to carry firearms outside of residence.

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