The Philippine National Police (PNP) will enforce a gun ban for seven days in the National Capital Region (NCR) in view of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26.
In a Memorandum dated July 16, 2021, PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar ordered the suspension of Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) in the NCR.
The order will be in effect from 8 a.m. of July 21 until 8 a.m. of July 28 as part of security preparations for President Rodrigo Duterte’s final SONA and to ensure that the SONA will be free from firearms-related incidents and protect the safety of the public.
“Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniform will be allowed to carry firearms,” PGen. Eleazar announced on Friday.
The directive shall be implemented in consonance with the concept of managing police operations in close coordination with the AFP, other LEAs (law enforcement agencies) and local government units.
“We are prepared for all scenarios. In keeping with the Intensified Cleanliness Policy, we will also conduct dialogues to establish coordination, cooperation, and understanding between the police, stakeholders, community leaders, and cause-oriented groups on self-policing, no-permit no-rally policy, traffic rerouting, and other public service so that we can attain our goal of a peaceful SONA,” Eleazar said.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office and the Civil Security Group are directed to fully disseminate the suspension of PTCFORs in their area of responsibilities through TV/radio broadcast, print and social media.
A total of 15,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure peace and order during the said SONA.
“I have directed all police district directors to strengthen anti-criminality measures and police visibility operations all over Metro Manila,” Eleazar said.
“As usual, our police will exercise maximum tolerance but at the same time we are appealing to the militant groups to do their share and police their ranks to ensure a peaceful and orderly SONA. Of course, our police are always alert and would not hesitate to use legal force if the protesters become unruly,” he added.