246 priests, pastors applied for firearm licenses – PNP
Despite the prohibition of the Catholic Church for priests to acquire firearms, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday revealed that it has received a total of 246 applications from members of the religious sector all over the country to carry guns outside their residences.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said they are ready to accomodate all applications as long as the applicants meet the requirements set forth by the law under the Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Act.
Albayalde said 188 priests have applied at the PNP national headquarters for a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) along with 58ministers, preachers and pastors.
Under Article II, Section 7 of the RA 10591, a permit to carry firearms outside of residence “shall be issued by the Chief of the PNP or his/her duly authorized representative to any qualified person whose life is under actual threat or his/ her life is in imminent danger due to the nature of his/her profession, occupation or business.”
Among those included in the list of professionals who may acquire PTCFOR are priests, ministers, rabbi and imams as stated under clause (e) of Article II, Section 7.
The issue on gun ownership for members of the religious sector stemmed from the killings of three Catholic priests since December 2017. The most recent victim is Rev. Fr. Richmond Nilo, whom was shot dead in Nueva Ecija earlier this month.
The PNP earlier confirmed that several priests in San Pablo, Laguna have already acquired guns.