The gun ban is now in effect in Negros Occidental.

Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, provincial police director, yesterday said that while the gun ban is temporarily in effect, even those who are authorized to carry firearms outside their residence will be charged for illegal possession of firearms.

The suspension of all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence nationwide started on Feb. 25 and ends on March 3, amid reports of destabilization attempts against the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Franco said the week-long suspension of PTCFOR will give them reason to exert more efforts in the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms.

PNP chief Avelino Razon had earlier justified the suspension of PTCFOR that he said is aimed at preventing the movement of firearms, and ensure that nobody is carrying guns, especially during mass actions.

Franco said only the police and military personnel and those who have gun ban exemptions can carry firearms outside their residence.

Records of the PNP Firearms and Explosives showed that there are about one million registered firearms nationwide, on top of the estimated 100,000 unlicensed guns possessed by individuals nationwide.*GPB

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