PNP probes fake gun permits
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into reports that counterfeit Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) papers had been circulating inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.
According to Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office head, PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima has ordered the PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) to confirm the existence of the fake firearms permits.
Sindac said the fake PTCFOR bears the forged signature of the PNP chief.
The PTCFOR is a written authority issued to a licensed citizen by the PNP chief entitling a person to carry registered firearms outside of his residence for a specific duration and purpose.
Only the office of the PNP chief can approve the written application as provided by law.
In a directive by Purisima to Police Director Melito Mabilin, PNP CSG chief, he ordered Mabilin to investigate the matter.
The PNP has no information yet on who produces the fake documents.
A legitimate PTCFOR costs around P6,000.
To address this, Sindac said the PNP would implement stricter measures on releasing gun licenses and PTCFORs.
Based on Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, the PTCFOR can only be issued to a “licensed citizen whose life is under actual threat or imminent danger.”
Under the Section 31 of RA 10591, gun owners carrying firearms without the PTCFOR will be charged with a fine of P10,000 and a penalty of prision correccional or six months up to six years in prison.
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