PNP-Caraga recalls permits to carry guns

CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Libertad, Butuan City, Philippines – All special permits granting police personnel security escorts to government officials and other private individuals under threat, including permits to carry firearms outside residence, issued by the Philippine National Police have been suspended from Sept. 25 to Nov. 11, the PNP regional office here announced yesterday.

In a press statement furnished to media by the PNP regional information office, showed the result of the joint conference of the Commission on Elections, PNP and AFP in Caraga Region held at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City Saturday, demanded that all permits for special privileges have been revoked and recalled.

All private persons, politicians including law enforcers, military without proper uniform carrying, brandishing firearms in public can now be arrested, the special announcement said.

Earlier, PNP Chief, Director General Raul Bacalzo issued directives to all PNP offices in the country that all gun carrying privileges by virtue of PTCFOR are suspended for the entire duration of the election period.

Comelec imposed a nationwide gun ban from Sept. 25 to Nov. 11, as part of security measures for the Oct. 25, 2010 synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Caraga Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal said that only PNP, AFP, NBI personnel and protective agents of private detective agencies shall be deputized as security detail during the election period, provided that these personnel shall be in proper uniform and in the actual performance of official security duties.