PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde has denied that Erwin Tulfo is being singled out after his attacks against Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista.
“Hindi naman (siya pinagiiinitan). In fact, ito po ay ginagawa sa lahat ng mga responsible gun owners sa buong bansa. Lahat po ng mga owner natin na ang kanilang lisensya ay paso na pinapadalan po sila ng sulat at pinapaalalahan na kanilang responsibility for the renewal ng kanilang mga lisensya,” he said.
“Kapag hindi naman po nila ito magagawa ay maaari po nila ipa temporary safekeeping ang kanilang mga baril sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya at ipa-custody. So yun po ay regular function ng ating PNP,” he added.
Albayalde made the statement after the PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office order Tulfo to surrender his firearms following due to the expiration of his License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOFP) but the licenses of his firearms are still valid.
The order came after the PNP recalled its personnel detailed as security aides of the Tulfo brothers.
Albayalde earlier said that among the factor on the recall of their security personnel was Tulfo’s tirades against Bautista although he clarified that it was not the main reason and that the recall was a normal process.
Albayalde said the expiration of Tulfo’s LTOPF was highlighted due to the incident.
“Well bahagi na rin yun (incident) Na-highlight nga ‘yung insidente. Nung maalala muli na kumusta pala ang lisensya at doon nakita nag expire na rin,” he said.
If Tulfo refused to heed on the PNP’s order, it can apply for an issuance of a search warrant against him in order for the PNP to get his firearms. He may be charged of illegal possession of firearms.
Albayalde, however, said Tulfo has already coordinated with the PNP for the renewal of his LTOFP.
Bautista has already accepted Tulfo’s apology but he set several conditions to prove the latter’s sincerity including the monetary donation to 19 groups. (SunStar Philippines)