Suspension of permits to carry firearms in P’sinan lifted

LINGAYEN, Philippines – Licensed gun owners and local officials lauded the lifting of an order suspending permits to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFORs) in Pangasinan.

Senior Superintendent Reynaldo Biay, officer-in-charge of the provincial police, yesterday said he received a memorandum from Senior Superintendent Angelito Dumangeng, chief of Regional Police Office 1-operations and plans division, stating that the PTCFOR suspension was lifted on Monday.

Four months ago, Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima suspended the PTCFOR in the province following the murder of Urbiztondo mayor Ernesto Balolong Jr., a member of the Liberal Party.

Provincial board member Alfonso Bince Jr. was happy with the lifting of the suspension.

Benedict Macaraeg, president of Dagupan Practical Shooting Association, welcomed the development. He said the more than 50 members of his group who are professionals and licensed gun owners were elated by the lifting of the suspension.