PNP suspends issuance of permit to transport explosives

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has temporarily suspended the issuance of permits to transport explosives following reports that the explosives were being forcibly taken by communist rebels on the way to mining sites.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said Monday that the issuance of the permits are suspended upon the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Starting January 1, lahat ng na-issue na permits to transport explosives, ‘yung mga involved sa mining, are temporarily suspended until magawa namin ‘yung direktiba ni President na bago mag-issue ng permit para sa mining ay merong confirmation or clearance from the local AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP commanders doon,” he said in a press briefing.

(Starting January 1, all issued permits to transport explosives, those used for mining, are temporarily suspended until we accomplish the directive of the President, which is to issue permits only when there is confirmation or clearance from the local AFP and PNP commanders.)

“Ang directive ng President ay wala munang i-release or movement ng explosives na walang concurrence ng local AFP and PNP commanders,” he added.

(The President’s directive is to not release permits or to not allow movement or explosives without concurrence from local AFP and PNP commanders.)

According to Sinas, the Civil Security Group and the Directorate for Operations of the PNP are currently drafting revised procedures that will be followed for the issuance of the permits.

The revised policy will be up for approval of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

“Ginagawan na po namin ‘yun ng polisiya which we will submit to SILG (Secretary for Interior and Local Government) for his concurrence and approval. Once matuloy po ‘yun, saka po namin i-reresolve ‘yung issuance ng permits to transport explosives,” said Sinas.

(We are crafting policies which we will submit to SILG for his concurrence and approval. Once it pushes through, then we will resolve the issuance of permits to transport explosives.)

He also noted that other industries affected by the order have aired their concerns, but he said the order of the President should be followed.

JE