PNP sets gun-free zones for Pope Francis visit
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has declared nine “firearms-free zones” in Manila and Leyte where Pope Francis is expected to make a stop during his four-day visit to the country.
Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP Public Information Office chief, said gun owners and off-duty lawmen who will bring their firearms in the areas considered as “places of worship” will be penalized and stripped of their gun licenses.
This will apply to all gun holders including members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies in civilian attire, and those with permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR).
The following areas are declared Firearms Free Zones including routes to and from the areas of engagement listed below that will be used by the official entourage of the Pontiff:
- Nunciature Area, Taft Avenue, Manila
- Malacañang Palace
- Manila Cathedral
- SM Arena, Mall of Asia
- Villamor Airbase, Pasay City
- University of Santo Tomas
- Quirino Grandstand
- Tacloban City
- Palo, Leyte
PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina issued the memorandum on Thursday directing the Police Regional Directors in Metro Manila and Eastern Visayas to “strictly observe and implement certain provisions of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).”
Espina cited a provision of the IRR, saying “firearms shall not be brought inside places of worship, public drinking and amusement places and all other commercial or public establishments.”
Mayor, the PNP spokesperson, clarified that the move is not similar to a gun ban.
“Considering that the pope is there, it is considered a place of worship. That’s why even without the directive, by the virtue of the IRR, we are reminding all licensee with PTCFOR that these are the provisions,” Mayor said.
On January 15, Pope Francis will arrive in Manila. The following day, he will have engagements in Malacañang and Mall of Asia. On January 16, he will be airlifted to Tacloban.
The pope will then fly back to Manila for an encounter with youth in the University of Santo Tomas and a Mass in Luneta.
“When the pope is away for Tacloban, they would be allowed to bring their guns in Manila because he’s not here. Guns are not allowed only in areas and routes where the pope is present,” Mayor said in Filipino.
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