MAMANG PULIS -- PHILIPPINE National Police chief, Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome, yesterday warned anew law enforcement agents and civilians issued a Permit-to-Carry-Firearm-Outside-of-Residence or PTCFOR that the PNP policy against the tucking of guns in waist stays and violators will be accosted and charged to teach them a lesson.

Bartolome maintained that a policeman displaying a firearm by tucking or inserting it at the waist while in civilian attire violates existing PNP laws and regulations as well as the PNP Code of Professional and Ethical Standards. Such prohibited act, he explained, affects the image of the 140,000-strong police organization.

Bartolome said there is an existing PNP policy which states that police officers in civilian attire should conceal the firearm in a gun bag or a handbag.

In line with his 10-Point Action Plan to discipline erring members of the police force, Bartolome said any PNP personnel found violating the provisions on the improper display of firearm will be dealt with accordingly. He added that the immediate superior officer of the erring policeman will also be charged administratively under the principle of command responsibility.

Offenders face an administrative case for Simple Neglect of Duty which carries a suspension from the service and forfeiture of salary.

PNP spokesman, Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. said Gen. Bartolome reiterated the policy on the carrying of guns in the wake of complaints against policemen and other people in civilian clothes who tuck guns their waists.

Cruz said all policemen in civilian clothes particularly those off-duty who will be found violating Gen. Bartolome’s order barring them from tucking their guns in their waists or even using concealed holsters will be charged administratively. 

On the other hand, civilians granted PTCFORs will be accosted if they are found tucking their guns in public. He said the gun licenses and PTCFORs of civilian offenders will be revoked.

A PNP memorandum states that licensed guns should be kept and carried using a gun bag or a clutch bag while in public. Uniformed officers have been ordered to accost violators of the ban in the streets whether they are members of the police force and other law enforcement units.

The PNP Civil Security Group issued a memorandum regarding the PNP chief’s directive. The order was issued to put a complete stop on the practice of some law enforcers and civilian gun holders from tucking their guns in their waist and going around town to flaunt their authority.

“Tama na ‘yung mga siga-siga na pulis o sibilyan na nakasukbit ang baril sa baywang pag nasa kalsada. Hindi magandang tingnan ’yun,” said former PNP-CSG chief, Director Emelito T. Sarmiento, now the PNP Chief Directorial Staff. Sarmiento added that only uniformed policemen can holster their guns while on duty.