PNP lifts gun ban in 8 Iloilo towns

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) lifted yesterday the suspension of permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) in at least eight towns in the fifth district of Iloilo.

PNP deputy regional director for operations Senior Superintendent Manuel Felix, also the concurrent chief of Task Force Kalinong (Peace), confirmed that PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo has approved the lifting of the gun ban under a memorandum dated Aug. 12, 2011 to Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol Jr., police regional director.

The gun ban was imposed in the towns of Ajuy, Balasan, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Estancia, San Dionisio, and Sara effective July 1, 2011 and should have run until Jan. 15, 2012.

“Threats of violence with the use of firearms have already diminished in the fifth district as a result of aggressive implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System in the municipalities covered by the suspension,” according to the memorandum.

“None of the suspects caught with firearms are registered gun owners or holders of PTCFOR, an indication that only legitimate gun owners are strictly complying with the suspension while criminals continue with their nefarious activities with the use of loose firearms. Task Force Kalinong has also complemented in addressing peace and order concerns in the fifth district,” it added.