AMID the ongoing nationwide gun ban in connection with the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, the Philippine National Police headed by General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. called anew on all licensed gun-holders to fully comply with the provisions of the law to avoid being stripped of their privilege to own and possess firearms.

The top cop underscored the vital importance of responsible firearm ownership for all licensed citizens, saying that the possession and ownership of firearms are not unrestricted privileges but rather earned rights that come with significant responsibilities.

Responsible gun ownership means fully complying with all provisions of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations as well as the Omnibus Election Code which include the ban on the unauthorized carrying of firearms in public during the gun ban period which started last August 28 and will end on November 29.

During the period, only members of the PNP, the AFP, and other law enforcement agencies conducting an actual performance of duties in their agency-prescribed uniform will be exempted from the gun ban.

Agents of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) guarding the First Family are automatically exempted from the ban.

Gen. Acorda has ordered the temporary suspension of all Permit-to-Carry-Firearms-Outside-of-Residence (PTCFOR) issued during the period, thus licensed gun-holders with PTCFORs have to first secure a Comelec (Commission on Elections) gun ban exemption permit for them to be able to bring their guns outside their residence.

He said that the PNP, in its capacity as a guardian of public safety, retains the prerogative to revoke License to Own and Possess Firearms or LTOPFs and Firearm Registrations as well as PTCFORs in cases where grounds for revocation and cancellation are unequivocally present.

He issued the reminder as the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office revoked the LTOFP and Firearm Registration of a retired Quezon City policeman who was caught on video assaulting an unarmed cyclist with his pistol near the Quezon City Welcome Rotunda last August 8.

“ Let this incident serve as a clear reminder that owning a firearm is a privilege that demands adherence to the law and the highest ethical standards.

We urge all gun owners to reflect on their responsibilities and ensure that their actions consistently reflect the values of respect, accountability and security,” the PNP chief said.

Gen. Acorda likewise assured that safeguarding public welfare remains the paramount concern of the PNP.

Last Monday, PNP Civil Security Group director Brigadier Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr. announced the revocation of all gun permits issued to a retired cop, who was caught on video assaulting an unarmed cyclist.

According to the official, Gen. Acorda ordered the revocation of the LTOFP, Firearm Registration and PTCFOR issued to the man in the viral video identified as retired policeman Willie Gonzales.

In turn, the PNP-FEO by Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas asked the FEO License Revocation and Restoration Board to promptly nullify the LTOFP and the corresponding Firearms Registration issued to the accused following a review of the viral video.

The FEO board has the regulatory function to study, review, validate and recommend the correction, deletion, revocation, cancellation, suspension or restoration of all issued licenses, registrations and permits relative to firearms and explosives through a Resolution.

The PTCFOR issued to the accused was also automatically revoked in the aftermath of the cancellation of his other gun permits. The PNP-FEO actions triggered the confiscation of the registered firearms of the lawbreaker.

Brig. Gen. Silo said that the gun permits of the accused were revoked on Sunday after their investigation showed that the latter drew and cocked his pistol and later pointed it toward the unarmed cyclist.

QC Police District Director, Brig. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III presented Gonzales to the media, hours after a video showing him cutting into the path of a cyclist along the bicycle lane in Welcome Rotunda.

National Capital Region Police Office director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said that the accused was identified with the help of the QCPD and the Manila Police District.

The Metro Manila police chief said that the accused also faces trouble with the Land Transportation Office, which is also investigating the latter for his road rage.

Canceling the driver’s license of the accused is one of the LTO options in this case. Nartatez said they are also waiting for the cyclist to surface and file a case against the suspect.

Gonzales however claimed that he and the cyclist have settled the incident. “Pagkatapos ng komprontasyon na nakita n’yo sa viral video, ako at ang siklista ay pumunta sa police station kung saan kami ay nagkausap, nagkapatawaran at nagkasundong kalimutan ang nangyari,” he said.

Gonzales added that he voluntarily left his firearm at the police station in order to reflect on whether he still wanted to own a gun in the future.

Brig. Gen. Torre said that since no complaint has been filed yet, Gonzales is facing no criminal charges. However, lawyer Raymond Fortun said he will file a case of grave threat and slander by deed against the accused.