MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has suspended permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFORs) of gun owners in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and La Union for a peaceful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
In a memorandum dated November 5 but released to the media on Saturday, PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered the suspension of PTCFORs in areas where activities related to the SEA Games will be held from November 20 until December 14.
The SEA Games, consisting of 530 events of 56 sports and will be held in different venues across Luzon, kicks off on November 30 and will end December 11.
According to Gamboa, only members of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms, and participants to the shooting competition will be allowed to carry firearms in public.
“This is part of the security preparations to ensure that the activities will be free from firearm-related incidents and to ensure the safety of the populace as well as of the local and foreign athletes,” the memorandum read.
Gamboa’s directive will be implemented in consonance with managing police operations in close coordination with the AFP, other law enforcement agencies, and local government units.