Bato tells cops to carry guns even when off-duty or in plain clothes

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Friday urged his men to carry their firearms even if they are off-duty and wearing civilian attire, provided that these are concealed.

"'Pag kayo'y naka-civilian, 'yung baril niyo itago niyo ng husto. 'Wag 'yung naka-civilian na nakalabas 'yung baril. You will be admonished. Papagalitan ko kayo kung naka-display 'yung baril niyo...Itago niyo nang husto. That's what we call concealed carry," Dela Rosa said.

"Itago niyo para hindi mapansin. Kasi oh, 'pag meron holdapan diyan sa harapan mo paano ka makapag-react? Barilan 'yan makipagsuntukan ka? May mga baril 'yung holdupper, anong gusto mo, suntukan? karate? judo?" he added.

Dela Rosa said that concealed carry of firearms would not violate any laws.

"Wala namang ma-violate doon. Pulis naman sila 24/7. 'Wag lang silang mag-display ng baril at manuntok na baril—violation 'yan. Pero kung magdala sila like concealed carry, hindi 'yan (violation)," he said.

Under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, it is stated that: "When the agency-prescribed uniform does not include holster, or for those authorized to carry firearms outside of residence or of official station while in civilian attire, the firearms shall be concealed unless actually used for legitimate purpose."

"Displaying a firearm, when not used for a legitimate purpose, is prohibited; Violation of this provision shall be subject for immediate revocation of the License to Own and Possess Firearms and Firearm Registration," it added.

During the accounting of personnel at Camp Karingal, the country's top cop asked some of the policemen why they did not bring their firearms with them.

"Bakit may naka-uniporme, may holster, walang baril? Taas nga 'yung kamay ng walang baril diyan. Ano, wala kang issued?" he said.

"Pa-retire ka na? Walang issued? Magpa-issue kayo. Alam ninyo, ayaw na ayaw ni President na makakakita ng pulis na tamad magsukbit ng baril ha. Sabi niya nagpulis pa kayo ayaw niyong lumaban, ayaw niyo makipagbarilan, anong klaseng pulis kayo?" he added.

Policemen who are wearing agency-prescribed uniforms are required to place their firearms in a holster securely attached to the belt.

Most of the accomplishments of the police force, according to Dela Rosa, involve cops who were off-duty and were able to foil crimes as they were carrying firearms with them.

"Tingnan niyo, karamihan ng accomplishment natin, 'yung mga bus robbery na nafo-foil ng mga pulis. 'Di ba pulis 'yun na naka-civilian na pauwi na sa bahay pero may dalang baril? Kaya siya nakapag-react dahil may dala siyang baril. Kaya kayo 'wag kayong patamad-tamad," Dela Rosa said.

"You are a policeman 24/7 whether you like it or not. Pulis kayo every minute of the day, every hour of the day. Kaya you must be ready to respond to any emergency 'pag kinakailangan. Pa'no kayo maka-respond kung hindi kayo nagdadala nag baril?" he added. —KG, GMA News