Permit to carry firearms suspended in NCR from Oct. 14 to 18

The Manila Police on Sunday announced it was suspending all permits to carry firearms in Metro Manila for the upcoming week due to security measures related to an Asia- Pacific meet.

A public advisory shared on the Facebook page of the Manila Police District (MPD) said, “In view of the Philippine hosting of the  Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) from October 14 to 18, 2024.

All Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) are hereby suspended from 12:01 A.M of October 13, 2024 (Sunday) to 12:00 Midnight of October 18, 2024 (Friday) in the NCR,” it added.

The MPD said only the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms.

The conference, said to be one of the largest international gatherings on disaster risk reduction, is set to bring in over 3,000 participants from 69 countries.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said over 2,593 police personnel will be deployed across key locations in Metro Manila. They will be positioned at event venues, tour venues, and accommodations for international delegations in a bid to prevent potential disruptions.

“Our security plan is fully in motion, integrating preventive and responsive measures. We are collaborating closely with other concerned agencies to maintain peace and order throughout the conference,” NCRPO ARD PMGen. Signey Sultan Hernia said.

Earlier, Malacañang announced that classes in all levels and government work in the City of Manila and Pasay City are suspended from October 14 to 15 for the hosting of the Asia-Pacific meet.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the gathering will strengthen cooperation, share best practices, and develop policies to help mitigate the effects of natural disasters, especially those exacerbated by climate change.—RF, GMA Integrated News