Monday, February 25, 2008
Police impose gun ban (4:02 p.m.)
MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the nationwide suspension of gun carrying privileges issued to some licensed firearm holders.
PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. said all permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) are suspended effective 12 noon Monday.
“The suspension of PTCFOR privileges takes effect until Monday, March 3, 2008,” Razon said.
In a joint news conference in Camp Crame with Armed Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Razon said the suspension of gun carrying privileges is aimed at ensuring public safety and security amid reports of mass actions to be staged by several groups.
“This is just part of the security measures that we are implementing. We are suspending all PTCFORs to ensure that there will be no civilians carrying guns especially during mass actions,” Razon said.
Both officials said there are no direct or imminent threats at the moment, but the PNP and military are prepared to address any contingency.
“What we have monitored are disinformation attempts of alleged police and military intervention, and purported participation in mass actions, mostly spread through anonymous text and email messages,” the PNP chief said.
“None of these rumors are true, and we are continuously investigating to identify the authors of this disinformation,” the PNP chief said.
Esperon clarified that the role of the military in quelling threats is to support police actions of the PNP when necessary.
“We believe in democracy, and the AFP will remain steadfast in our mandate to protect our democratic institutions and processes,” Esperon said. (VR/Sunnex) |
