Comelec gun ban starts Jan. 13, public reminded

No firearms outside your residence starting January 13. This was the reminder issued Tuesday by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to gun owners, who it said are covered by the gun ban for the coming May elections. "Starting January 13, no firearms outside residence. Lahat na kababayan natin who were given licenses and Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFORs) are suspended until June 12," Metro Manila police chief Director Leonardo Espina said in an interview on dzBB radio. Only law enforcement agency members who are in uniform and on duty will be allowed to carry firearms outside their residences, Espina added. These include members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Bureau of Investigation, he said. These law enforcers cannot carry firearms outside their residences if they are not on duty, the official noted. "We should always be in uniform while carrying firearms," Espina said. As for bodyguards, he said they will be allowed to carry firearms only if allowed by the Commission on Elections. — KBK, GMA News