Suspension for PTCFOR remains
TO the dismay of the members of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP), the order of the Philippine National Police (PNP) suspending the privilege that goes with the permit to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) issued to licensed firearm holders, remains in effect.
The Pangasinan Provincial Police Office’s (PPPO) acting-Provincial Director P/Sr. Supt. Sterling Raymund Blanco informed the legislators during the board’s executive session hat he has not received any written directive rescinding the order to suspend the PTCFOR.
It will be recalled tthat the SP members unanimously adopted a resolution last week directed to P/Director-General Alan Purisima asking him to recall or rescind his order.
The suspension of the PTCFOR has since met mounting opposition, including but not limited to the SP.
Blanco said while his office understands the security concerns of legitimate firearm holders and in the absence of an instruction to lift the order, he urges the public to coordinate with the nearest police station to ensure security of anyone who feels threatened.
He said the suspension order has already seen the “drastic reduction of commission of crimes with use of firearms.”
“I wish the public will simply support the campaign becasuse the results are there,” Blanco said.
Citing statistics, from June 1 to 25, 2014, only 312 crimes against persons, down from 494; and 238 crimes against property, down from 347 were reported during the same period last year.
The improvement, he said, was made possible by the 22 operations conducted that resulted in 26 arrests and 26 confiscated firearms.
The legislators said they are reiterating the sense of the resolution and are still hoping that the PNP leadership will relent and eventually order the recall of lifting of the suspension. –Johanne R. Macob
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
