PNP imposes Mindanao gun ban

MANILA, Philippines -  A gun ban has been imposed in Mindanao, which has been placed under martial law by President Duterte following a series of clashes between government troops and the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Marawi City since Tuesday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered the gun ban on Saturday, several days after the Marawi City crisis erupted.

Dela Rosa said he has been holding meetings with top security officials to discuss the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

“In connection with the martial law in Mindanao, all
PTCFOR in Mindanao are hereby suspended,” Dela Rosa announced, referring to the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the suspension of PTCFOR has been relayed to the six regional police directors and other police commanders based in Mindanao.

Carlos said Dela Rosa remains the authority to grant PTCFOR, which is given as a privilege for civilians to carry their guns outside their houses

The permit to carry firearms outside residence is granted to licensed gun owners, especially those with serious threats to their lives. The PNP chief is the approving authority in the PTCFOR card.
Even before the declaration of martial law, Carlos said the PNP has been in constant coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in ensuring the safety of citizens in the area and the security situation in Mindanao.
The violence in Marawi City prompted President Duterte on Tuesday to declare martial law, placing the entire Mindanao under military rule for 60 days.

Police forces were conducting checkpoints and serving as blocking forces to prevent reinforcement or escaping members of the Maute group in Marawi City.
Carlos said five civilians were held for questioning and validation but were released after being cleared.
As part of the augmentation of forces, Special Action Force (SAF) commandos have been sent by the PNP leadership to Marawi City to help government troops run after the Maute gunmen occupying several barangays in the city, Carlos said.