PNP welcomes SC order on gun ban

A top police official welcomed yesterday the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the legality of President Arroyo’s order to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to revoke the issuance last year of permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR).

Civil Security Group (CSG) director Chief Superintendent Jaime Caringal said the SC’s move upholding the gun ban imposed by Mrs. Arroyo is most welcome because it helps the police in deterring crime.

"Tama lang iyan. (It’s the right move.) We really need to limit the issuance of the PTCFOR to those who have direct threats and inherent (risks) by virtue of their work," Caringal said.

The CSG has under its arm the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) which issues gun permits to qualified gun holders. Since the cancellation of all PTCFORs last year, all new applications were submitted to and reviewed by the office of the PNP chief.

In its 35-page decision penned by Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, the High Court dismissed the petition filed by Chavez assailing the gun ban.

Since PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. revoked in Jan. 2003 all issued PTCFORs, Caringal said there were only 3,900 PTCFORs issued for the past one and half years.

In defending anew Ebdane’s order, Caringal said the regulation of the special gun permit contributed to the PNP’s successful campaign against criminality. In most instances, law enforcers are able to easily apprehend civillians and even men in uniform who use their guns to commit crime.

The ban on carrying guns outside of residence also complemented the implementation of chokepoints and checkpoints in Metro Manila and the other provinces, Caringal said.

He added that the regulation prevented the unnecessary issuance of PTCFORs to persons who do not need to carry guns.

"Not any Tom, Dick, and Harry should be allowed to carry their guns when it is not necessary. They can always appeal to the PNP chief and request for it (PTCFOR) if they really need it," Caringal said.

Caringal stressed that the PNP will continue implementing the stringent requirement for PTCFORs, including the proof of death threats and imminent danger of a person seeking the permit.

The SC said in its June 9 ruling released Friday night that possession of firearms by citizens in the Philippines "is the exception not the rule."

"The right to bear arms is a mere statutory privilege not a constitutional right. It is a mere statutory creation," the Court said.

The High Tribunal maintained that the state has police power to regulate "all property" to ensure the common good and welfare of the people.

The Court also noted that in the country’s jurisdiction, the PNP chief is granted broad discretion in the issuance of PTCFOR.