Permit to carry firearms suspended in NCR Nov. 29-Dec. 1 amid protests

Permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFORs) are suspended in Metro Manila from November 29 to December 1 in light of the scheduled massive protests against corruption on November 30.

The Philippine National Police - Office of the Chief’s PTCFOR Secretariat confirmed the matter to GMA News Online in a message.

According to the PNP, the suspension is effective from 12:01 a.m. of November 29 to 11:59 p.m. of December 1. 

Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms are allowed to carry firearms.

The PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) announced the same on its Facebook page.

Earlier, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the organization is set to deploy a stronger security contingent for the rallies, where 15,000 cops will be deployed.

“The deployment is not about intimidation, it's about readiness. We expect large number of crowds in multiple activity areas so our personnel on the ground should be quick in responding to emergencies and even any violation of the law,” Nartatez said in a separate statement.

“Let me be clear that law enforcement presence does not mean aggressive action. The order for maximum tolerance still remains,” he added.

No specific or credible threat has been detected so far but proactive measures remain necessary, according to Nartatez.

The PNP is preparing for possible infiltration attempts by groups seeking to cause unrest, similar to the incident of the September 21 rally in Manila. 

“May ganitong considerations lagi sa malalaking gatherings. Naka-focus ang intelligence monitoring natin sa potential agitators. Rest assured, we are coordinating closely with other agencies to prevent any attempt to hijack the peaceful intent of the rally,” Nartatez said.

(There are always considerations like this in large gatherings. Our intelligence monitoring is focused on potential agitators.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News