PNP revokes Bantiles gun licenses

MANILA, Philippines–The gun licenses of a father accused of pointing his gun at an 18-year-old high school student of the Colegio de San Agustin in Makati City was revoked Thursday, a Philippine National Police official said.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Firearms and Explosive Division chief, said the official document on the revocation of Allan Bantiles’ gun permits and licenses have been approved by the board.

Bantiles has 15 days to surrender the .45 caliber pistol he allegedly poked at the 18-year-old Jamie Garcia. The police said his other gun, a 9mm pistol, should also be turned over. Both guns had permits to carry.

Reports had it that on Aug. 30, the older Bantiles pointed the gun at the complainant when he learned that his son was allegedly hit in the face by Garcia. Garcia said that he did it after he was bullied by the 16-year-old Bantiles.

“We deem Mr. Bantiles unfit to handle a firearm,” Garcia’s lawyer, Attorney Dominic Balane, told reporters, adding that the mere display of a firearm is prohibited based on  PNP’s guidelines for carrying firearms.

To this, Petrasanta said Bantiles can no longer purchase any firearm, and be granted of any permit or license for such.

While Bantiles holds a permit to carry, Petrasanta said that he is still prohibited from carrying his gun to public places like schools, churches, malls, etc.

Bantiles is facing charges of “attempted murder,” “slander,” and “slander by deed.”