PNP imposes gun ban from Nov. 1-15 for ASEAN

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has imposed a gun ban from November 1 to 15 as part of the security preparations for the upcoming 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

In an order dated October 27, dela Rosa ordered the suspension of permit to carry firearms outside of residence for 15 days in Metro Manila, and Regions 3 and 4A.

PNP imposes gun ban from Nov 1-15 for ASEAN summit @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/J3Z8Wc7EZ9

— Amita O. Legaspi (@amitalegaspi) November 3, 2017

The order stated that it is in line with the commitment of the government to ensure the safety of the heads of state and delegates of the ASEAN Summit to be held in Metro Manila, Clark in Pampanga, and Los Baños in Laguna.

It said the heads of states and delegates will arrive at Clark International Airport starting November 9.

Only regular members or officers of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and law enforcement agencies in proper uniform and in the actual performance of duty are allowed to carry firearms.

It said all persons in civilian attire carrying firearms shall be presumed unauthorized to carry the same and will be arrested and subjected to investigation.

The firearms of the arrested persons shall be subjected to verification through Firearms Verification Hotline.

Chief Supt. Val de Leon, head of PNP Firearms and Explosive Office, said those who will violate the order will be charged with illegal possession of firearms.

“You are liable for carrying your firearms illegally,” he told reporters Friday.

He added the license of the violators can also be revoked.

“Once it is referred to us, meron tayong Firearms License Revocation and Restoration Board, iyan ang board na magsasaliksik o mag-iimbestiga whether we have to revoke their license for carrying their firearms sa period na ipinagbabawal,” he said.

He said they will not be giving any exemptions.

“Sa ngayon walang binibigyan ng ganung exemption ang ating chief PNP. This will be strictly implemented lalong lalo na pag andito na ang ating heads of states and visitors,” he said.

De Leon said he is now signing orders allowing the security of the heads of states to carry firearms.

“Less than 10 security personnel of each heads of staff are allowed to carry firearms. If more than six will be requested, we will seek favorable recommendation from Ambassador (Marciano) Paynor,” he said. —KG/NB, GMA News