PNP suspends permits to carry guns during APEC week

MANILA, Philippines - All "Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence" (PTCFOR) in Metro Manila will be suspended during the country's hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2015 Leaders’ Meeting from November 16 to 20, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Friday.

PNP Chief Director General Ricardo C Marquez said the suspension of the PTCFOR is part of the security preparations to ensure safety of the delegates and their families who will attend the said event.

“Only the members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other Law Enforcement Agencies who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms," he said.

The PNP also warned those who would be caught carrying guns on the said dates will face criminal charges, with penalty of prison correctional from six months and one day to six years and a fine of P10,000, as well as suspension or revocation of privilege to carry firearms as stated on Section 30 of R.A. 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition. 

Almost 1,000 police officers will be deployed by the PNP at the vicinity of Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City for the APEC meet.

According to Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, Pasay Chief of Police and commander of Task Force MOA, security personnel will be posted by November 18 at all entry points of MOA. Doria added that the Pasay City government will enforce the "No Permit, No Rally" rule on those who will stage protests during the meet. 

Meanwhile, PNP-Highway Patrol Group Spokesperson Superintendent Grace Tamayo said 842 HPG officers will be deployed to secure the convoy of the leaders and delegates of the 21 member-economies participating in the summit.

Tamayo said 300 HPG officers will augment the Presidential Security Group in guarding the APEC leaders, while 282 HPG personnel will join forces with the Police Security Protection Group for the security of ministers and other foreign delegates.

Some 227 HPG officers will also be deployed on EDSA to secure the APEC lanes.

Tamayo said the HPG during the APEC week will provide route and convoy security along EDSA and Roxas Boulevard.

He added that each convoy of APEC vehicles will be escorted by four HPG motorcycles and two mobile patrol cars.