PNP says Erwin Tulfo is abroad; can’t surrender guns yet

MANILA, Philippines — Radio personality Erwin Tulfo is abroad and cannot surrender his firearms yet, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said Thursday.

“Ang pinakahuli nating ulat na natanggap ay nasa abroad si Mr. Erwin Tulfo kaya hindi pa naaksyunan ang renewal [of his license] at pagsuko ng mga firearms,” Banac said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

(According to our latest report, Mr. Erwin Tulfo is abroad that is why he cannot renew his license and surrender his firearms.)

The PNP earlier ordered Tulfo to surrender his guns to the police, after his license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) expired on March 3.

READ: PNP orders Erwin Tulfo to surrender firearms

Banac said the PNP has no information on Tulfo’s location abroad but added that the broadcaster left the country even before a notice on the expiration of his LTOPF was relayed to him.

“Inaalam na lang natin kung kailan talaga ang kanyang pagbalik (We are trying to know when he will return to the country),” the police official said.

Banac added that the PNP will also send Tulfo a follow-up message to ask him for the specific date when he will be renewing his LTOPF.

Aside from ordering Tulfo to surrender his guns, the PNP also recalled the broadcaster’s police security escorts, partly because of his outburst against Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista on his radio show.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)